Karen Lou Scheller's Obituary
Karen Lou Scheller, 83, of Seattle, WA (Seahurst), joined her family members in heaven on February 11, 2022.
She was born May 21, 1938, at the Northern Pacific Railway Hospital on McKinley Hill in Tacoma, WA to Lew Mansfield Barclay and Clara Bernice Barclay. She graduated from Lincoln High School in Tacoma WA in 1956 and attended the College of Puget Sound (Now University of Puget Sound) studying Physical and Elementary Education. She was married to Sidney K. Shelver (d. 1980) and Michael W. Stirts, blessing her with her two sons, Steven Shelver and Scott Stirts.
She is preceded in death by her husband Robert H. Scheller (d. 2014) whom she married on New Year’s Eve in 1990.
Karen moved to a suburb of Seattle (Seahurst) in 1964 where she built her life and lived in her home for 56 years. She was an avid gardener, caring for her rose garden, azaleas, rhodies, hanging baskets and meticulous lawn. She also decorated her home for every season. Karen enjoyed animals and was fortunate to have at least 15 dogs, 11 cats and a rabbit throughout her adult life.
Karen worked for 44 years as an administrator for SeaLand (now Maersk/Horizon) and worked many overtime hours to support her family.
Karen was an active member of several Masonic organizations. She served as Worthy Advisor of her Cedar Chapter of the Order of Rainbow for Girls, earning the Grand Cross of Color. In her adult life, she served as Worthy Matron for SouthGate Order of the Eastern Star twice, and Royal Matron for the Order of the Amaranth three times and held many Grand Chapter offices. She was also a member of the Zora Chapter, Daughters of the Nile in Tacoma, and the Solveig Chapter, Daughters of Norway, in Burien.
Karen took great pride in knowing that her activities were helping to advance scholarships for students, diabetes research funding and support for Shriner’s hospitals.
Karen joined Highline United Methodist Church in 1966 and served in many roles including Camping Coordinator, Music Coordinator, Sunday School teacher, Board Member and Office Administrator. She was active in promoting Church Camp scholarships, building the music program and funding for the handbells and grand piano.
She was active in all her son’s activities, including sports, scouting and music. She was famous for embarrassing her boys by bringing cowbells for cheering to wrestling matches and football games. She served as a Den Mother for scouting, board member for the Northwest Boychoir, and Mother Advisor for Highline DeMolay.
Karen was very proud of her family Norwegian and Scottish heritage. She regularly hosted the relatives when they visited the United States and she visited her extended family in a memorable 1998 trip to Norway, visiting family homesteads which dated back to the 1500’s.
After Karen retired, she enjoyed time with her grandchildren and spending time at her lake house vacation property near Granite Falls. She traveled to Maui and enjoyed whale watching on both the Oregon and Maui coasts.
Karen finished life as a resident of an assisted living community near her home. She could not speak, nor type / write due to a stroke, yet continued to remain independent and brought joy to those she met.
She tended to the geranium garden and kept Easter, 4th of July and Christmas decorations outside her hallway and wrapped gifts for the residents.
Her contagious smile and unselfish service to others defined her life. We will miss you Uff Da!
Karen leaves behind sons, Steven Shelver (Tamara Shelver), Michael Scott Stirts (Rebecca Stirts), Grandchildren, Jillian Shelver, Ryan Shelver, Kjersten Stirts, Kjell Stirts, Nathan Cox and Ryan Cox.
Services will be held Saturday, Feb 26th, 1PM at Highline United Methodist Church, 13015 Burien, WA 98168. Remembrances can be made to: Shriner’s Children’s Hospital
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