Karen (Ross) Rountree, Dec. 29, 1946 - July 14, 2022

Karen passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family, July 14, 2022, after a
courageous battle with Multiple Myeloma. She was born in Lewiston, Idaho, to Jean (Reichow) Ross and William W. Ross, both from Lewiston, on December 29th, 1946. She is preceded in death by both parents and a sister, Wilma (Billie) Ross and beloved stepfather William Brothertons. She is survived by brother Ronald Ross of Columbia Falls, MT; husband Jack Rountree; two daughters and four grandchildren.

Karen’s family moved to Spokane where she attended Browne Elementary and Glover Middle School
before moving once again to Lynnwood, WA, where she graduated from Meadowdale High
School. Before leaving Spokane, on a warm summer night at the age of sweet 13, she met Jack
Rountree. Although separated for her high school years, Karen and Jack found each other again, which
started a nearly 54-year marriage. From their union two beautiful girls, Amy (Nathan) Holes and Kati
(Chad) Spencer, became part of their family. Karen’s girls gave her four amazing grandchildren -- Jackson,
Annie, William, and Scarlett -- for her to dote over. Her desire to be the best Nana ever was only
overridden by Jack’s desire to be the best Papa. Both Jack and Karen were so blessed to have wonderful
grandparents from which they aspired to be as well. Karen is also leaving behind her precious miniature
Schnauzer, Tilly. She talked Jack into getting Tilly in April of 2021. Little did Jack know how much love and
comfort she would bring to him during Karen’s illness.

Karen and Jack returned to Spokane in 1970 which started an almost “Leave It to Beaver” family journey
from their first home in NW Spokane to her last, also in North Spokane. Their lives together were spent
starting businesses, working and building “just one” more home for them and the girls, as well as their
cabin on Sacheen Lake. Karen’s work was primarily in the medical office industry from which she
developed so many patient-friend relationships. Her best and most important “job” of all was being a
mother. She loved to entertain and decorate for EVERY holiday! She became an avid quilter and loved
the time she got to spend with her quilting CHICKS. If you asked any who knew her what her most
enduring attribute was the answer is simply her smile.

Over the past several days so many friends have used the following words to describe Karen: beautiful, happy, loving, loyal, courageous, giving. Although their time together was not as long as they had hoped for, the years they did have were about as ideal as one could hope for. Thank you for being such an amazing mother and wife.

The family would like to thank the staff at Cheney Care Center, MultiCare Cancer & Amp, Blood Specialty
Center-North, Love In Home Senior Care, and Hospice of Spokane for the wonderful care that was
provided. Your love and professionalism will never be forgotten. A memorial service is being held at True Hope Church, 1316 N. Lincoln St., Spokane WA 99201, August 1, 2022, at 1pm. If you feel called upon to make a donation in Karen’s name, please do so to any of the organizations above.

Obituary provided by Jack Rountree.

Karen and Jack at the MHS '65 50th Reunion.