Obituary

Karen Ann Merman, 61, of Highland Heights, Ky passed away on February 1, 2022, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Fort Thomas, Ky following a month-long battle with COVID related conditions. Karen was born on March 18, 1960, in Fort Thomas, Ky, to Clint and the late JoAnne (Knobloch) Barnett. She was raised in Newport and was a graduate of Newport High School. During her 36 year career with The Western and Southern Life Insurance Company, Karen received multiple company awards recognizing her achievements including the Western and Southern Humanitarian Award and several Special Merit Awards. Karen retired in 2016 holding the position of Technical Services Analyst. Karen was a giving, compassionate person and regular blood donor to Hoxworth Blood Center. She donated throughout her life, often giving several times a year. She also contributed monthly to veterans, childrens and senior health organizations. The Bellevue Vets Club was fortunate to have Karen as a 20-year member of the Ladies Auxiliary, serving various officer positions, most recently Vice President. She was the recipient of the Auxiliary President's Award in 2011 and served on multiple committees including the Support the Troops, for which the Auxiliary received two separate awards, one addressed directly to Karen. In addition, she volunteered for many club functions including the carnival, newsletter, Stand down for Homeless Vets and Christmas Relief. She enjoyed competing in various bowling and horseshoe leagues, earning titles and recognition in both sports. Karen was a huge University of Kentucky Wildcat Fan and could always be found in her UK gear cheering on the team she loved. Karen Ann was dedicated to the daily care for her father during her employment at Western and Southern and throughout her retirement years. She was the lynchpin of the family, her compassion, wisdom, and foresight will be missed immeasurably. Karen lit the world with her smile and easy laugh. Karen was proceeded in death by her mother and her sister, Connie Lovell. Karen is survived by her father, Clint Barnett, partner, Kevin Shaffer, nephews Travis, and daughter Kendall, Tyler, his significant other Chelsea Miller and daughter Leighton Norman, Tanner, his wife Emily and children Xander and Mila Lovell and Trenton Goff. Karen's legacy will live on in her family and those whose lives she touched. Visitation will be 4:00pm to 7:00pm on Friday, February 11, 2022 at Muehlenkamp-Erschell Funeral Home, 427 South Fort Thomas Ave. Fort Thomas, Ky. Funeral Ceremony will be 10:00am Saturday, February 12, 2022 at the Funeral Home. Burial will take place in Mother of God Cemetery, Covington, Ky. There will be a Celebration of Life for Karen held at the Bellevue Vets, Saturday, February 19 from 4pm to 7pm. Memorials are suggested to the Bellevue Vets Club, 24 Fairfield Ave. Bellevue, Ky , Alzheimer's Association, 644 Linn Street, Suite 1026, Cincinnati, Ohio 45203 or to Donate Life America. 701 East Byrd Street, 16th Floor, Richmond, Va 23219. Online condolences can be given at www.dmefuneral.com. Dobbling, Muehlenkamp-Erschell caring for the family.