Karen Lynn Carlson

Our beloved wife, mother, and grandmother went home to be with her Heavenly Father on Saturday November 11, 2023, at the age of 81. She came to peace at home in Vancouver, Washington with family by her side, following a 7-year battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. She was a true warrior and faced this disease with courage and grace. She was born in Pasco, Washington on October 3, 1942, to Overta "Jerre" and Robert C. Barta. As a young girl born during World War II, the family moved often between Washington, Oregon, California, and Utah. She was married to Tom Chiles from 1965 to 1977; They had two children. In 1979, she met the love of her life Les Carlson; They married in 1983 and formed a blended family with his 5 children. She loved her family with her whole heart and delighted in her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will be remembered for her loving and positive attitude, and her heart to take care of others. She was generous with her time, talent, and treasures. Kay enjoyed many things in life and was involved in her children's activities. Camping, hiking, cooking/baking, and being a grandmother were some of her favorite things to do. A 40-year member of Xi-Alpha-Sigma Sorority, and 35 years with Beta Sigma Phi chapter in Vancouver, Washington. As well as a Red Hat's Society member. Kay was preceded in death by her parents Jerre and Robert Barta and her granddaughter Alisha. She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Les Carlson, her children Jerre Adams (Bryon), Jeff Chiles (Lisa), and Les's children Rene Mitchell (Dave), Lesley Carlson, Michele Carlson, Yvonne Cohen (John), and Michael Carlson (Jennifer); As well as 10 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. She also leaves behind her sisters Nancy Barta, Kerry Eberly (Robert), Janice Donaldson (Dave), and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to give a special thank you to some very important people that we were blessed to have join us in helping with her care as the disease progressed; Narges, Divine Peace Adult Family Home; Rickey, April, Stefanie, Lupita, Araceli, and the whole Hospice team. We are forever grateful for the love and care you provided not just for her, but our family as a whole.Please join the family in a celebration of this incredible woman's life following the Evergreen Memorial Gardens12:30 memorial service on Saturday December 9, 2023, at St John Lutheran Church - 11005 NE Hwy 99 Vancouver, WA 98686. Everyone who knew Kay, knew above all, her beautiful smile, incredible kindness, and compassion. In lieu of flowers, you may make a tribute gift at psp.org.

Karen Lynn Carlson

October 3, 1942 - November 11, 2023