Karen Mercer Obituary

Mueller's Tri-Cities Funeral Home

Karen Mercer, after a valiant fight with breast cancer, passed away peacefully at her home on July 27, 2010, with her family at her side to return to live with her Heavenly Father.

Karen was born on Febru- ary 23, 1949, to Fred and Dolly Paulson in Vancouver, Washington. Karen was the second of four children. She was raised in Washougal, Washington, where she graduated high school in 1967. She went on to Washington State University where she received a Bachelor's degree in Office Administration with a minor in Education in 1971. During her time at college, she met her eternal companion, Bill Mercer. They married on June 12, 1971, in Kennewick, Washington, and were later sealed for time and eternity in the Salt Lake Temple in October 1973. They had four children whom she loved very much.

Karen was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Karen served in many church callings including working with the Relief Society sisters, young women and nursery children. Karen enjoyed sewing, genealogy work, trips to the ocean, working in her yard planting flowers, date nights with her husband, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

During her life, raising her children was her main priority. When her children were older, she worked for the Kennewick School District as a substitute teacher for seven years. She then gained full-time employment at Battelle as an administrative assistant for nearly 17 years.

Karen is survived by her husband of 39 years, Bill; children, Elizabeth (Kevin) Kelly, Fred (Kirstin) Mercer, Arin (Gary) Long, and Keith Mercer; grandchildren, Karissa, Dalin, Mitchell Kelly, Ashton, Rori, Gage, Jaxson Mercer and Fisher, Alivia, Finn Long; parents, Fred and Dolly Paulson; siblings, Bill Paulson, Janice (Mark) Paulson, and Norman (Lisa) Paulson; and many nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, August 1st, 2010, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Mueller's Tri-Cities Funeral Home, 1401 S. Union Street in Kennewick, Washington. Funeral services will be held Monday, August 2nd, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. at the LDS Buntin Building, 829 S. Buntin Street, Kennewick, Washington.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' in honor of Karen.

The family invites you to sign their online guestbook at www.muellersfuneralhomes.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Tri-City Herald on Jul. 29, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Karen Mercer

11 Entries

Czmowski Family

August 9, 2010

So sorry to hear about Karen! Our family sends our thoughts and prayers to you over your loss of a very special woman! Heaven most certainly has gained a wonderful angel to watch over all of you! God bless you and keep you in this time of sorrow. . .

August 2, 2010

I worked with Karen for several years at Battelle. She was always helpful and friendly and I couldn't have asked for a better co-worker. I miss her and feel for her family, and wish them the best.

Pamela Kinsey

August 2, 2010

I worked with Karen and Elizabeth at Battelle and became good friends. We shared some great conversations and she will be dearly missed. My prayers are with the entire family.

SK Sundaram

August 2, 2010

Karen was always a pleasure to work with. I worked with her and students under summer internship programs. She was very supportive. My thoughts and prayers are with Bill and the whole Family.

Bernice Schneider-Hill

August 1, 2010

I worked with Karen at Battelle for many years. Karen was a lovely lady and I will miss her sweet smile and personality. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family for their tremendous loss. May the the wonderful memories of such a dear person bring you peace and comfort.
Health issues have prevented my maintaining the many contacts I once had.

August 1, 2010

I use to work with Karen at the APEL building in Richland. What a wonderful person she was. I later found out that I also knew Bill when he worked for KPD as I worked at PPD. Karen will be missed. You are in my prayers. God BLess You. Mary Zilar, Kennewick

Sharon and Tony Singleton

August 1, 2010

Bill and Family ~ We were so sorry to hear of your loss. We feel especially fortunate to have been able to meet and spend time with Karen and Bill this year while we were camping with Penny and Arnie. Our thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow.

Vicki Crosby

July 30, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Lynn Hammond-Ramos

July 30, 2010

Karen was a dear friend of my mother's, Jolene Hammond. I had the pleasure of meeting her through my mom, and when my mother passed suddenlty in January of 2007, Karen came to my home to extend her love and memories. She was a very special woman with a heart of gold. I'm so sorry for your loss. Take comfort in knowing her spirit is with you everyday. God Bless.

Pam (Hoeft) Aardal

July 29, 2010

I was a baby sitter for Karen and Bill's children while they were growing up. Karen was a very kind and loving person. You could tell by her actions that her husband and children were the center of her life. May you rest peacefully. You had the courage to fight and now you get the best prize which is to rest and be pain free.

Debbie Fritts

July 29, 2010

You will be missed ! Your friend at Nouveau Day Spa

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