KAREN SUE SHELL

Karen Sue Shell, 69, Aberdeen, WA, passed away Friday, April 24, 2009, at the family home in Central Park surrounded by her devoted family. Karen fought ovarian cancer valiantly and without complaint for four years.
Karen was born on November 21, 1939, to Earl and Mabel Abramson in Arrington, Kansas, joining two older brothers. She graduated from Atchison County Community High School in 1956 and later attended the University of Kansas for two years, the genesis of her devotion to all things Jayhawk. On August 31, 1958, she married Charles Henry Shell in Valley Falls, KS. Chuck and Karen celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary this past year. In 1970, Karen and Chuck relocated their family from Kansas to Washington State, residing in Spokane, Bellingham and finally Aberdeen in 1980. Karen returned to college in 1986, graduating from Grays Harbor College and ultimately the University of Washington at age 48. Karen worked at many banks throughout her career, but upon graduation from UW, she was employed by the Washington State Department of Revenue for 15 years, retiring in 1997. Upon retirement, she and Chuck RV'd extensively throughout the United States, including memorable trips to the East Coast, Mexico and Alaska. Karen spent many hours quilting graduation gifts for her grandchildren. She also loved the outdoors – favorite activities included gardening, clamming at Washington beaches, oystering on Hood Canal and even fishing with Chuck on the Washington coastline.
Surviving family members include her husband, Charles Shell of Aberdeen, WA; children Pamela (Mike) Rasanen, Bellevue, WA, Kimberly (Dan) Martin, Issaquah, WA, Timothy Shell (Lynn Hunt), Ridgefield, WA, Patrick (Lisa) Shell, Aberdeen, and Samuel Shell, Lincoln City, OR.; brothers Orville (Darlene) Abramson, Aurora, CO and Carson (Elaine) Abramson, Hiawatha, KS; and grandchildren Karina and Peter Rasanen, Ty, Paige and Alison Martin, and Helen Shell.
The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 2, at the Valley Falls United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at the Valley Falls Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:30-8:30 p.m., Friday, at Mercer Funeral Home in Valley Falls. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society and sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, 810 Broadway, Valley Falls, KS, 66088. Online condolences are at mercerfuneralhomes.com