Karen Lynne Lord

Karen Lynne Lord, age 72, of Newcomerstown, died unexpectedly Monday, March 10, 2014, in her residence.

Born at Union Hospital at Dover on August 27, 1941, Karen was a daughter of the late George R. and Clara M. (Hency) Quillin.

Karen was raised in New Cumberland prior to the family relocating to Stone Creek, where she graduated in 1959.

For a period of time, she wrote the social column, Quill Lines, for the former Dover Reporter and worked as a secretary for Warner & Swasey at New Philadelphia. Karen later relocated to Portland Oregon where she served as an Administrative Assistant at the Portland Unity Church. As part of her duties, she organized church activities and spiritual retreats. On May 5, 1989, during one of these retreats, Karen shocked a group of attendees during a session on commitment with a special ceremony uniting her and Gerry, the love of her life, in marriage.

After the couple married, they began an auto, home, property and casualty insurance company from their home. Karen and Gerry excelled in the business and she especially loved getting to know her customers and caring for them.

In 1992, Karen suffered a devastating stroke that left her with multiple obstacles to overcome. They relocated to Minnesota to be near Gerry’s family for the next decade and in 2007, they moved to the Stone Creek area. She was a determined and strong-willed individual who through the love and support of her family and friends overcame many of the effects of her stroke. However, she never let remaining obstacles stop her from doing the activities she loved which included, writing her newsletter, organizing gatherings with friends, gardening, caring for her cats and dogs, shopping, and “occasionally” stopping at garage sales. She also enjoyed her membership at Grace Community Church at Stone Creek. Additionally, she loved the fellowship of her friends from Portland, Oregon known as the “Master Mind” group.

In addition to her husband of nearly 25 years, Karen is survived by a son, Michael Reis of Arizona; three granddaughters, and a brother, Jan (Carol) Quillin of Stone Creek.

Completing the family are her beloved nieces and nephews, Sherilyn (Brian) Heslop of Stone Creek, Cathy (Tim) Krajenke of Lexington, Kentucky, Eric (Rachel) Quillin and Steve (Sonya) Quillin all of Stone Creek; 14 great-nieces and nephews, whom she adored, and numerous cousins.

The family will greet guests on Friday, March 14, 2014 in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover from 4:00 – 6:00 PM where Pastor Paul Houdashelt will lead a celebration of Karen’s life beginning at 6:00 PM. Immediately following the service, all are invited to join the family in the funeral center’s Hospitality Room for a time of food and fellowship. Cremation will follow and a private burial will take place in the Stone Creek Cemetery at a later date.

The family requests memorial contributions in Karen’s name are directed to Grace Community Church, PO BOX 97, Stone Creek, Ohio 43840.

Those wishing to do so may send the family a personal condolence and light a candle in remembrance of Karen by visiting the funeral home’s website at www.GeibCares.com.