Karen L. Barnes Lewis

Karen L. Barnes-Lewis, beloved mother and grandmother (Yahee), passed away on March 28, 2025, with her family by her side. Born June 9, 1954, in West Germany, on base, the daughter of the late Lt. Col. Warren S. Barnes and Shirley (Lindstrom) Barnes.

Karen graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Wright State University. She spent 25 years working at Lowe's, where she became a familiar face in the garden center. She always had a passion for gardening, it was one of her favorite hobbies. She would tell us that she was going out to “Play with my flowers.” 

Karen never met a stranger, her heart connected to all she met. A devoted mother to her two daughters, Brittany Lewis (Daryl Shelton) and Courtney Lewis (Brett Williams), Karen's legacy lives on through them and her two cherished granddaughters, Samantha and Mayleigh. She adored her family, with traveling to Gatlinburg several times a year being her most treasured memories. Best known for her affection for her cats, she had a gentle heart that poured out love for all living things.

She is survived by her daughters, granddaughters, brother, Keith Barnes (Traci), her brother-in-law, Pete Cliff and a host of cherished relatives, and dear friends. Karen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Samuel Lewis; her parents, Warren and Shirley (Lindstrom) Barnes; and her sister, Lauren Cliff.

A celebration of life honoring both, Sam and Karen, will take place this summer. Details to come.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Tenth Life, PO Box 178, Alpha, Ohio 45301