Obituary: Karen Koty

Karen Koty, a longtime Carson City resident, passed away at her home Oct. 23, 2009. She was 54.

Karen was born in Los Angeles, Calif., in 1954 to Perfecto and Beverly Vallejos. She relocated to Nevada in 1989 to be closer to her eldest sister Vickie.

Karen dedicated herself to working for the elderly. She cared for her many clients for over 15 years, eventually opening her own professional home health care business, Karen Kares.

She was a devoted mother to Michael Rumsey, 39, and Jeff Hevener 34, both of Carson City, and Allen Drennan, 29, of Colorado. She is sister to Vickie Vallejos (who preceded her in death), Debbie Salat, Linda Caccitori-Gibbons and Shelly Vallejos, all of California, and Mark Vallejos of Nevada. Karen is a beloved grandmother to 10 grandchildren.

Grandma Karen took great pride in her grandchildren, she always had a cup of hot cocoa and was ready to play bingo, she was a great sport, and made all games so much fun. Karen was a fun, loving free-spirit.

To honor her wonderful way of living life, and her love of color, the family is seeking a no-black funeral. Traditionalists are welcome too! To assist her family with this sudden loss, a memorial fund has been established at Greater Nevada Credit Union #903411.

Services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009 at Fitzhenry's Funeral Home, 3945 Fairview Dr., Carson City. A celebration of life gathering to follow at B'Sghetti's, 318 N. Carson St. Please join us.