Karen Elizabeth Anderson Armstrong

Karen Elizabeth (Shoemaker, Anderson) Armstrong - 69, of Bainbridge passed on peacefully to the Lord Thursday, June 21, 2018 at her home surrounded by her family following a brief illness. She was born October 4th, 1948 in Chillicothe to Ralph and Kathryn Shoemaker. She attended Paint Valley High School and Ohio University.  On June 7, 1969, she married Donald “Jigger” Anderson and had four children together. On January 16, 1999, she married Robert “Army” Armstrong, who survives her.

Also surviving are daughter Sasha (Chris) Harper, Chillicothe; son Joshua (Kristy) Anderson, Chillicothe; son Canon (Lori) Anderson, Chillicothe; daughter MacKenzie (Martez) Hudson, Bainbridge; Rob (Kerry) Armstrong, Ravenna. She is also survived by her parents Ralph & Kathryn Shoemaker, sister Sara (Mike) Darbyshire & brother R. David Shoemaker. Her grandchildren: Lance (Mackenna) Harper, Cade (Madisen) Harper, Simeon Anderson, Lilah Anderson, Elizabeth Anderson, Karis Hudson, Colin Armstrong & Devin Armstrong. Many cousins, nieces and nephews and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her first husband Donald “Jigger” Anderson.

Karen was an elementary teacher for over 30 years at Paint Valley Local Schools where she retired from in 2005. Her passion was to empower students through her teaching where she impacted hundreds of young minds. She was also a member of Bainbridge United Methodist Church. Karen’s favorite thing was to be surrounded by family and friends. One of her greatest joys was when her home was filled with grandkids running around being loud. In her free time, you could find her wrapped up in a good book which was another passion of hers. Karen could read more books in a month than most people could probably read in their lifetime and was always excited to make a recommendation. Karen loved to travel and see new places with her husband, Army, whom she loved dearly. Her favorite place to vacation was Oak Island, North Carolina; which she considered her second home. This year was the 40th consecutive year of spending time at Oak Island with her family.

Karen was a lover of life. She enjoyed and cherished the moments and memories, big and small. She was always there to lend a helping hand and would drop whatever she was doing to show others she cared. She made those around her feel like they mattered and always took advantage of life’s adventures. She impacted many, loved many, and will truly be missed by all who knew her.

A celebration of her life will be held on Sunday, June 24th at the Bainbridge United Methodist Church. Friends may call from 2-4pm with a celebration service to follow starting at 4pm with Pastor Matt Brookes officiating. Burial will follow in the Bainbridge Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Chillicothe & Ross County Public Library to honor Karen’s love of reading. (Checks made payable to “Chillicothe & Ross County Public Library”)

The Smith-Moore-Ebright Funeral Home of Bainbridge is serving the family.