Obituary: Lewis, Karen Dee (Mathers)
Mom grew up in Wynot, Nebraska cheering on the Wynot Blue Devils until her graduation in 1955.
She started her working career at age 12 as a phone operator at the Wynot Telephone Company.
Anyone who knows Karen knew this was a perfect start for her.
Karen was also responsible for the noon bell and to notify the fire department if there was a fire in town.
The Mathers’ family moved to Spokane in 1955.
She was working for Westinghouse when she met “Lew” (Gene) on a blind date.
After a short three month engagement, she married Lew on December 8, 1956.
Gene and Karen welcomed their first son Scott September 1957.
Daughter Staci was born on Gene’s birthday October 1966.
Second son Shane surprised Karen and Gene in January 1968.
Karen enjoyed her positions at Sunset Electric, Westinghouse, KXLY, PGT and was very proud to be President Lew Zirkle’s executive assistant at Key Tronic Corporation.
Karen loved spending time at the cabin on Deer Lake welcoming family and friends onto the dock.
Karen is survived by husband Gene of over 56 years, children Scott and his daughter Madison (Maddy Mae), Staci and Shane, sister Arlynn and brother in law Tom Jefferson, nieces KariLynn and family and Kristi, treasured Aunt (Auntie), cousins and dear friends.
Whether flying to another concert featuring Elvis, Neil Diamond or Rod Stewart, traveling to the Orient, Hawaii, Mexico or the Caribbean, parasailing or gambling, Karen was the tour guide ready for new adventures.
A graveside service will be held Tuesday April 23, 2013, 4:00pm at Fairmount Memorial Park.