Your love continues to shine in our hearts.
Obituary
Karen Lynn Guthrie-Mehlert, age 73, passed away peacefully September 12, 2023, following a courageous battle with ALS. She is now at peace.
Karen was born November 27, 1949 to the late Dick and Barbara Guthrie in Spokane, Washington. She became a proficient pianist and clarinetist in her early years in Spokane, though treasured spending summers at the family cabin at Priest Lake, Idaho. Among countless other activities, Karen was a part of the varsity cheer squad at Lewis and Clark High School that cheered on the football team to win the state championship in 1967. Following high school graduation in 1968, Karen attended and graduated from Washington State University (Go Cougs!), with a degree in speech pathology and education. Karen’s blood flowed Crimson and Grey from her first day on campus! She became a member of the Alpha Omicron Pi sorority, where she made lifelong friends, including a group that got together every year for a “sister trip.” After graduating from WSU, Karen moved to the Seattle area, and for 35 years she taught elementary school in the Shoreline School District. Students were blessed to learn from Karen, who quickly became a favorite teacher. Many students kept in touch with Karen for decades after being in her class. While in Seattle, Karen also took up soccer and excelled at the sport.
In the 70’s, Karen married her former husband Mark Crandall, with whom she had her beloved son, Craig, in 1981. Craig will tell you that his mom was his biggest advocate and that she made him and everyone around her a better person and that she never wavered in her care or love for him.
Karen married Ron Mehlert in 1988 and the couple lived in Shoreline until they retired in 2006 and moved to San Tan Valley, Arizona. The two avid golfers could be found on the Arizona golf courses during the winter and early spring. They were actively involved in their community, where Karen spearheaded a committee for Rally for the Cure to raise money and awareness for breast cancer. Continuing her lifelong tradition, in summer months, the couple would move to their summer home at Priest Lake. They loved golfing at the Priest Lake Golf Course, spending time out on the lake in their boat, and picking huckleberries.
Karen’s mom used to say that when Karen entered a room, it was like a ray of sunshine greeted you. Surely, heaven was a bit brighter upon her arrival. She was a fountain of love, a beacon of light, a warrior of empathy and an agent of inspiration. To say she will be missed is an understatement. Karen’s legacy of kindness, patience, and strength will forever shine brightly as a guiding light for all who knew her.
Karen is survived by her husband, Ron Mehlert, son Craig Crandall (Camille Ilorio), brother Mark (Marilyn), sister Jodi Guthrie-Marty (Lucky), numerous nieces and nephews, 3 step-children, 9 step-grandchildren, and 4 step-great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Karen’s life will be held September 12, 2024 at St Mark’s Lutheran Church, located at 316 E 24th Ave, Spokane, WA 99203 at 11:00 AM. Family and friends are asked to wear casual Cougar and or golf attire to the service.
Karen requested that donations be made to ALSSO (The ALS Association of Spokane.) Please go to ALSSO at https://alsso.org/ to donate.
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