Karen Reams Perrenot's Obituary
Karen Perrenot (nee Reams) passed away March 1, 2018, surrounded by family after a courageous 12-year battle with ovarian cancer. She was born Oct. 30, 1958, in Augusta, Ga., to William Blair Jr. and Sarah Reams.
An Army brat, Karen graduated from Huron High School in Ann Arbor, Mich., in 1976. She studied interior design at East Tennessee State University before marrying Steve at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, March 17, 1979. Traveling the world as a proud Army wife, Karen devoted her life to raising three daughters. She immersed herself in each community they lived, volunteering at her girls’ schools, as well as with various military organizations and family readiness groups during Steve’s nearly 30-year military career. Karen was skilled at making every house a home — throughout more than 15 moves, she decorated and personalized countless girls’ rooms and government quarters and collected antiques from duty stations around the world. She explored each new community and culture, cultivated memories with family and made lifelong friends. Her house was always open for friends and family to visit, and she loved, encouraged and motivated those fortunate enough to be in her life.
The family spent time at Fort Lewis in the mid-90s, remembering it fondly and, as opportunity would have it, they returned in 2003 to settle for good. Soon after, Karen experienced a new love — grandchildren. A proud grandma, Karen’s four grandchildren were the lights of her life. She instilled confidence in both her children and grandchildren, and not a day went by that she didn’t express her love and happiness to each.
As a beloved wife, mom and grandma, a daughter, sister, aunt and friend, she will forever be remembered by family and friends for her caring nature, positivity and bright smile.
Karen is survived by her husband Steve; daughters Kimberly, Stephanie (Tony) and Katie; grandchildren Ava, Reagan, Aubrey and Luke; parents Jim and Sarah Volkmann; sisters Pam Mikesell and LuAnne (Dave) Heins; stepsisters Lisa (Chris) Volkmann, Lori (Pete) Tackett and Jenny (Craig) Winters; stepbrother Jeff Volkmann; nieces, nephews and many more loved ones. She is preceded in death by her father William “Blair” Reams Jr.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled at the Main Post Chapel at JBLM Saturday, March 10 at 9:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to donate to SummeRun team Walking for Karen at http://support.swedishfoundation.org/goto/walkingforkaren. The SummeRun is a fundraising event for ovarian cancer research sponsored by Swedish Medical Center
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