Karen Lee Nayback

Karen Lee Nayback, age 57, of Petoskey, Michigan, died September 27, 2012 at home with her family at her side. She was born June 21, 1955 in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, the daughter of Edward Matti and Anna Irene (Piippo) Nayback.

Karen grew up in Rudyard, Michigan where she graduated from high school in 1973. In school, she was a cheerleader and was active in Future Homemakers of America where she served as a State Officer. She attended Lake Superior State College and earned an Associate Degree in Business. Karen retired from MichCon, then worked at Internal Medicine of Northern Michigan, Community Health Center, and held part time jobs over the years at Carters and Glens.

Karen was a member of the Cross of Christ Lutheran Church. She was an active mom who coached Little League, volunteered in the Junior Achievement program, and was cookie mom for the Girl Scout cookie sales. She enjoyed bowling, going for drives, and taking long walks along the river near her home.

Karen is survived by her son, Joseph M. McPherson of Petoskey; her daughter, Jessica M. McPherson of Kalamazoo, Michigan; step-son, Gerald (Beth) Burrell of Gaylord, Michigan; and grandchildren, Jairyd, Elijah, Isabella, and Liam Burrell. She is also survived by two brothers, Timothy S. Nayback of Sault Ste. Marie and Michael E. Nayback of Rudyard; one sister, Joann L. Smith of Cabot, Arkansas; and several nieces and nephews.

Services will be held Saturday, September 29 at Reamer Galer Funeral Home, 24549 S. M-129 in Pickford, Michigan. A gathering time will be held from 12:00 Noon until 2:00 P.M. The Memorial Service will begin at 2:00 P.M.

Interment will be with her parents at North Rudyard Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, 1450 E. Mitchell St., Petoskey, MI 49770 or St. James Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 156, Rudyard, MI 49780.