Karen passed away on Monday, January 15, 2018 at her home in McKinleyville. She was 62 years old. She passed away unexpectedly of a massive stroke.

Karen was born to Ronald and Harriet (Moody) Pollard on October 18, 1955 in Arcata. Karen was the youngest of four girls. She attended elementary school in McKinleyville and graduated from McKinleyville High School in 1973. She was a cheerleader while in high school. She went on to attend College of the Redwoods and was a cheerleader there also.

Karen had a wonderful sense of humor. She was caring, loving, and just a beautiful, incredible person and friend.

One of the fondest memories their children have was spending time with their parents at Canyon Creek in Trinity County camping, gold mining and enjoying the outdoors.

She is survived by her two sons, Ken and Kyle Vollenweider; her grandchildren — Connor, Tina, Karen, Cameron, Austin, Douglas, Monica, Daphne, Kaylee, Kayla, Savannah; her three sisters and their husbands, Ronna and Ron Miller, Cheryl and Jack Grooms and Nancy and Scott Wooley; and her stepchildren — Angela Martin, Dustin and Jason Ward and Crystal Mcerlain. Her best friend was Donna Scheffler, who will deeply miss her as they were joined at the hip since childhood. She left behind many, many, nieces and nephews who will dearly miss their Aunt Karen.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Drew Ward, who was the light of her world. Karen and Drew were married on March 3, 1993 in a helicopter ride over Las Vegas! She is also preceded by her brothers-in-law, Marshall Sundberg and Scott Ward.

Karen’s memorial will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at the Arcata First Baptist Church (1700 Union Street) at 11 a.m. There will be a reception following the service in the Lighthouse Room at the church. Please remember Karen with a donation to Arcata Christian School or The American Cancer Society.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Karen Ward’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.