Obituaries

Karen Warnock-Lee, age 83, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, died on May 10, 2026, at the Ball Hospice House in Sault Ste. Marie. She was born on December 2, 1942, in Wheeling, West Virginia, to Troy and Mildred (Thomas) Warnock.

Karen moved to many places throughout her life as her father’s work took the family to different locations. She dedicated twenty years of service to the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians in the Newspaper Department and also designed the Sault Tribe flag with consultation from fellow peers.

Karen had a deep love for the arts and was especially passionate about painting and sculpture.

Karen is survived by her husband, Richard; children, Kevin (Stacy) Benson and Kellan (Benson) Boyer; grandchildren, Katherine, Daniel, Max, Troy, Taylor and MacKenzie; great-grandchildren, River, Dallas, Elam and Eli; siblings, Ruth Warnock and Gerry Warnock; and many special teachers and friends.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Troy and Mildred.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026, starting at 1:00 PM for opening and 7:00 PM Pipe Ceremony at the Niigaanagiizhik Ceremonial Building, 11 Circle Chi Mukwa, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783. A Traditional Ceremony on Friday, May 15, 2026, at 10:00 AM.

Memorial Contributions may be made in Karen’s honor to the Ball Hospice House, 308 W. 12th Avenue, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783.

Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.