Karen Graham (Coleman) passed on Tuesday March 19 in Olympia, WA.
Karen was born on March 1st, 1944 in Klamath Falls, Oregon to Carol Elaine Coleman (James) and Gerald Ray Coleman. She had three younger siblings, sister Julie Williamson (Coon) and brothers Kim and Dennis Coon. She had three children, Jeffery Jay Graham, Brett Howard Graham, and Dana Marie Warness (Graham). Karen married Jay Graham in Klamath Falls in 1960, together they moved to Cape Canaveral, FL in 1963 while Jay worked on the Apollo Space Project.
They moved to the Seattle area in 1967, then in 1980 purchased a ranch in Montesano WA. She worked over 40 years in the hospitality industry. In 1982 Karen and Jay bought Mikki’s Tavern in Cosmopolis WA then six years later bought the Riverhaven Restaurant in Hoquiam WA. They moved to Aberdeen WA and managed the restaurant with family for 13 years before moving to the Tumwater, WA area in 2000.
Her greatest love in life was her devoted husband, soul mates from the day they met. They spent 48 years together taking care of their family and making many friends everywhere they went. Karen was a devoted wife and mother always putting her family first. She enjoyed traveling, camping, fishing, nature walks, and cherished going to her grandchildren’s activities.
Karen is survived by her brother Kim Coon and sister Julie Williamson (Coon) and their families. Sons, Jeff (Tina) Graham and Brett Graham, six grandchildren, Cammi Graham, Joshua (Ila) Warness, Danielle Wright, Brett (Jessica) Warness, Marie (Zach) Arnold (Graham) and Charles (Katlyn) Graham. Along with great-grandchildren, Braiden, Anthony, Evan, Maverick, Jolene, Talatheon, Giovanni, Rhemi, Kaine, Deshawn and Bentley and one great-great grandchild Calogero. Karen was preceded in death by her father Gerald Coleman, mother Carol Coon (2023), brother Dennis Coon (2021), daughter Dana Warness (Graham) (2020), her husband Jay Graham (2008), and grandson Shawn Warness (2005). Karen will be deeply missed by her loved ones and all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Her memory will forever be cherished in our hearts. A celebration of life is planned for April 21, 2024 from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the McCleary Community Center 726 West Simpson Avenue, McCleary WA 98557.
