Karen Marie Ray of Onekama passed away with her family by her side on August 10, 2019 to be with her Heavenly Father after a long battle with Alzheimer's.

Karen was born in Detroit, on April 14, 1938, the daughter of Robert and Mary (Monk) Kullgren. In her childhood years she grew up in Farmington, where she graduated from Farmington High School in 1956.

On February 8, 1958, Karen married Jerome (Jerry) Ray, her high school sweetheart in Farmington. They had five children in their first 8 years and experienced many more adventures during their 61 years of marriage.

In 1969, Karen and Jerry packed up their five children to relocate to Northern Michigan. They eventually settled down at "The Farm" on Adamson Lake Road near Onekama where Karen's primary job was to keep her husband and children "in line." They enjoyed many family outings like camping, fishing, picking cherries, swimming and gardening. Karen especially enjoyed travelling to Onekama High School events with her husband and friends to watch their children participate in baseball, football, basketball, track and cheerleading.

Karen was an accomplished cook and baker. She loved to "can" various vegetables and fruits with her children. In addition to walking and riding bikes, she enjoyed snowmobiling, golfing, and bowling. She simply loved to be outdoors with her family. Karen loved to knit and made beautiful Christmas stockings for all her grandchildren. She was a fantastic pinochle card player and shared her love of games like dominos, Skip Bo, and golf with her grandchildren. Karen was a member of St Joseph's Church in Onekama where she had served as a Catechism teacher and member of the Ladies' Guild. Further, Karen was a loyal volunteer at various Lion's Club events over a span of 31 years.

In 1977, Jerry and Karen purchased the Orchard Beach Party Store in Manistee and proceeded to build new and lasting friendships before selling the store in 1988.   Shortly afterwards, Jerry and Karen started to make their annual pilgrimage to Southern Florida to escape the long winter months. They settled in Everglades City and remained there until their property was ravaged by hurricane IRMA in 2017. Karen enjoyed fishing with Jerry in the Ten Thousand Islands in southwest Florida. She once caught a tarpon too large to get into the boat!

Karen was preceded in death by her parents Mary (Monk) and Robert Kullgren; in-laws, Therese (Pennig) and Gus Ray; sister, Helen Kullgren; sister-in-law, Marilyn Ray, and grandson Craig Looman.

Karen is survived by her husband Jerome; Children: Chris (Kip) Ray, Lori (Steve) King, Diane (Larry) Baker, Eric (Kristen) Ray, Patti (John) McCulloch; Brother: Robert Kullgren; Sisters: Gail (Donald) Trahey, Janet (James) Muir; Sister-in-law Joan Ray; 19 Grandchildren and 8 Great Grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM Friday, August 16, 2019 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Onekama with Rev. Ruben Munoz Celebrant. Visitation will be held one hour prior to Karen's funeral Mass also at the church where the family will receive friends. Burial will follow at the Bear Lake Township Cemetery. A luncheon and time of continued fellowship will be provided following Karen's funeral Mass and burial in the St. Joseph Parish Church Hall of Onekama.

A memorial has been established in Karen's name for the Alzheimer's Association. Envelopes are available at the funeral home and will also be available at the church on Friday.

A heartfelt THANK YOU to the owner's, Dave and Kris Schimke and their staff at Nancy's House AFC in Manistee for the love and care they gave Karen.

The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of funeral arrangements www.herbertfh.com