Karen M. Kovatch

Karen M. Kovatch, 65, died peacefully at her home in Millersburg Saturday January 13, 2018 surrounded by her family.  The daughter of Edward and Vivian Adas, Karen was born in Detroit on December 5, 1952.

Karen was a loving mother and grandmother, devoted sister and aunt, and a cherished friend.  She was beautiful lady with a heart of gold.  She enjoyed working with the public and was always there to lend a helping hand.  She was dedicated to many causes; her favorite being St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, as well as always donating what she could to anyone she found in need.

She was very well loved in her community.  Most knew her from the many years she worked at the Shell gas station.  She considered that her “social time”, otherwise you may have found her sitting at a table playing cards or at a local spitzer tournament.  Her other hobbies included camping, cooking delicious meals, doing puzzles and occasional trips to the casino.  She loved working with her hands and dreamed of someday having her own woodworking shop.  She was fearless when it came to her abilities, tackling jobs that most would hire out just to see if she could do them.  Her downtim

e included watching her favorite game or crime shows or whatever was on Animal Planet.  She adored being pampered by her daughter, Suzy, and granddaughter, Raena, often asking to have her nails done or her hair brushed.  She loved trips downstate to visit her beloved Aunt Rose Alexander, who preceded her in death.  She very much enjoyed visits from her sons, Andy and Tony; her sisters, Mickie and Betty; her Aunt Rosemary; and her cousin, James, who always seemed to have a bag full of the best homemade kielbasa, pierogies and mint cookies for her and her longtime friends, Sue Hyde, Sue Gordier and Cindy Bishop.

Surviving Karen are her daughters, Dawn Gnida (Todd Arkwood) of Millersburg and Suzy (Ryon) Bruder of Onaway; sons, Tony Kovatch of Atlanta and Andy Kovatch of Mancelona; grandchildren, Jeffrey Gnida of Millersburg, Jeremy Gnida of Maysville, North Carolina, and Zachary and Raena Bruder, both of Onaway.  Karen also leaves her brother, Rick (Rita) Adas of Millersburg; and sisters, Darlene Adas of Millersburg, Michele “Mickie” (Jack) Williams of Lake, and Betty Bloedow of Howell; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.Karen was preceded in death by husbands, Richard L. Miller, Thomas C. Matthews Jr. and Victor V. Kovatch; her first born-daughter, Laurie Ann Miller; and her parents.Special appreciation to Karen’s daughter, Dawn; grandson, Jeffrey; and Todd Arkwood, who she considered as her son-in-law; as well as Rochelle and Amy, and those at Hospice of the Sunrise Shore for their exceptional loving care.As were Karen’s wishes cremation has taken place.  A celebration of life will be held in the spring.  Those planning an expression of sympathy please consider a donation in memory of Karen to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.  Condolences may be shared at www.chagnonfh.com.