Ishpeming- Karen Marie Williams, age 64 of 237 Deer Lake Rd., Ishpeming passed away Monday, August 10, 2009 at her home under the loving care of her family and UP Home Health & Hospice.

Karen was born April 15, 1945 in Ishpeming to the late Fred & Sophie (Koski) Skytta. Karen graduated from Champion High School as the valedictorian of her class and then attended Michigan Tech University. She then practiced nursing for several years.

Karen was a member of the Bethany Lutheran Church of Ishpeming, the VASA Order of America, and the League of Finnish American Societies. She also enjoyed bowling in the Ishpeming Bowling League.

Karen is survived by 3 children: Todd (Terri) Williams of Negaunee, Nicole (Robert) Waltrip of Pittsburgh, PA and Ronald Williams of Duluth, MN; 5 grandchildren: Trevor and Tianna Williams, Justin, Luke and Grant Waltrip; 3 brothers: Donald (Fran) Skytta of Ishpeming, Douglas (Deborah) Skytta of Ishpeming and Raymond (Sue) Skytta of Flushing, MI and her long-time companion and friend James Sodergren, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Karen was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Dr. Reginald G. Williams in 1986 and her brother Kenneth Skytta.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 pm. on Thursday, August 13, 2009 at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Ishpeming with Rev. Warren Geier officiating. The family will greet relatives and friends on Thursday at the church from 3:00 pm. until the time of the service. A dinner will follow the service in the church fellowship hall.

Per Karen's wishes, in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her honor to the NMU Foundation Office for the R.G. Williams Scholarship Fund, 1401 Presque Isle Ave., Marquette, MI 49855 (a scholarship for students from the U.P. enrolled in pre-medical education), or to the Bethany Lutheran Church Memorial Fund.

Karen's obituary may also be viewed at www.bjorkandzhulkie.com where her guest book may be signed.