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Karen Merchant
KAREN MARIE MERCHANT
Vinton
Karen Marie Merchant, 74, died Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016, at her residence following an extended illness. To honor her wishes, she was cremated and there will not be any funeral services. Private committal will be held at the Dysart Cemetery.
Karen was born July 3, 1941, in Garrison, to George and Thelma (Dake) Reed. On Sept. 28, 1958, she was united in marriage to Derald Merchant at Wesley United Methodist Church in Vinton.
She worked alongside her husband on their farm. For 15 years, she was employed in the food service department at Virginia Gay Hospital. In her leisure, she enjoyed crocheting and made hundreds of afghans. She also enjoyed playing the piano and organ and loved decorating her home.
Karen is survived by her husband, Derald; her children, Koby of Van Horne, Michelle (Bryan) Brady of Port Charlotte, Fla., Wade of Van Horne and Nicole (Scott) Fridley of Mechanicsville; 13 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; her sister, Monica Koshivas of Bennett; and her brother, Richard Reed of Iowa.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Don Reed; and her brothers-in-law, Don and Dale Merchant.
A memorial fund has been established for Compassus Hospice.
Condolences may be left at www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com.
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