Frances Viola Karns

FRANCES VIOLA KARNS
Frances Viola Karns, age 84, of Island City, died Wednesday, October 29, 2003 at her home. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 2, 2003 at the First Presbyterian Church with The Rev. Norman Shrumm officiating. Private committal and interment will be held at the Hillcrest Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Daniels Chapel of the Valley.

Mrs. Karns was born on November 24, 1918, the daughter of Frank and Glayds (McClay) Sexton in Malin, Oregon. She graduated from Oregon State University with a teaching degree. She met her future husband, Harry Karns, at the Sacagawea Hotel in La Grande and they were married on February 26, 1943 in Toronto, Canada. He preceded her in death on December 30, 1979. She taught school in Halfway and worked as a secretary at the Navy Airbase in Corpus Christi, Texas during the beginning of World War II. She later worked for the La Grande School District until her retirement in June of 1979.

Mrs. Karns was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in La Grande. She also held memberships in P.E.O. Chapter D.K., Grande Ronde Hospital Auxiliary, the Daughters of the Nile, Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority and the Retired Teachers Association. She was a lifetime member of the La Grande Country Club. She enjoyed playing bridge, crossword puzzles, traveling with her children and spending time with her grandchildren.

Survivors include her children, Murf and Kathi Karns of Klamath Falls, Patty and Orv Goddard of La Grande and Phyllis and Gary Hart of La Grande; grandchildren, Kenna Avila, Tami Stone, Jake Hart, Marni Irvin, Zach Hart, Angie Karns and K.C. Karns; great grandchildren, Kali Avila, Dallas Stone, Katie Stone, Cassandra Wilde, Kindi Irvin, Kaili Irvin, Kelbi Irvin, Braxton Irvin, Conor Avila and
Garret Avila; two cousins and other relatives and many friends.

Those who wish may make contributions in memory of Mrs. Karns to the P.E.O. Chapter D.K. Scholarship Fund or the GRH Hospice in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850. To view the unedited obituary, sign the guest book or leave a condolence visit: www.danielschapel.com.