Obituaries : Karen Marie Merchant

Karen Marie Merchant

VINTON:
Karen Marie Merchant, 74, died Sunday, February 28, 2016 at her residence following an extended illness.
To honor her wishes, she was cremated and there will not be any funeral services. Private Committal will be held at the Dysart Cemetery.
Karen was born July 3, 1941 in Garrison to George and Thelma (Dake) Reed. On September 28, 1958 she was united in marriage to Derald Merchant at Wesley United Methodist Church in Vinton.
She worked alongside her husband on their farm and for fifteen years she was employed in the food service department at Virginia Gay Hospital. In her leisure she enjoyed crocheting and made hundreds of afghans. She also enjoyed playing the piano and organ and loved decorating her home.
Karen is survived by her husband Derald; her children, Koby of Van Horne, Michelle (Bryan) Brady of Port Charlotte, FL, Wade of Van Horne, and Nicole (Scott) Fridley of Mechanicsville; thirteen grandchildren; many great grandchildren; her sister, Monica Koshivas of Bennett; and her brother, Richard Reed of Iowa.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Don Reed and her brothers-in-law, Don and Dale Merchant.