Karen Tarbell

Karen Tarbell, 63, Valley City, North Dakota, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, August 8, in Sheyenne Care Center. The funeral service will be Saturday, August 18 at 2 pm in the Chapel of Saint Raphael, Sheyenne Care Center, Valley City. Karen was born December 31, 1954, Myron Tarbell and Doreen Lee. Karen resided at the Grafton State School from infancy until coming to reside at the Open Door Center in Valley City where she lived in Group Home 1. Because Karen knew sign language, she was moved to Group Home 3 and paired up with two other residents who also knew sign language. Karen eventually moved into her own apartment with two other residents from the Open Door. She lived in the apartment until 2015 when health issues forced her to move to Group Home 4. While living at the Open Door Center, Karen worked on numerous cleaning crews. She also did a lot of seated peace work there. Karen loved to spend time with friends and family. She was always ready to greet you with a hug and a kiss on the cheek. Her spirited personality brought great joy to everyone she met. She also loved spending time playing with children and animals, writing in her notebooks, coloring, looking at pictures of her friends and family, having her nails painted and shopping. Shortly after arriving at the Open Door, Karen started going to the Koenig’s for holidays rather than staying at the Group Home. Over the next 35 years Karen would participate in all the Koenig family holidays, celebrations, weddings, and vacations. No family gathering was complete until Karen arrived. Through the years, Karen became such an important part of the family that she was considered a sister. Karen is survived by her mother, Doreen Lee, Fargo, North Dakota; a sister Debra (Michael Hibbs), Portland, Oregon; her extended family, Robert Koenig, Valley City; Lori (Darrin Arneson), Fargo, Leland Koenig (Mary), New Rockford, North Dakota, Leslie Koenig (Julie), Valley City and Lane Koenig (Michelle), New Rockford, North Dakota. Preceding Karen in death is her father, Myron Tarbell, a brother, James Tarbell and her extended family members Lance and Lynn Koenig. Oliver-Nathan Funeral Chapel has assisted the family with the funeral arrangements. An online guestbook is available at www.oliver-nathanchapel.com

Karen Tarbell

December 31, 1954 - August 8, 2018