Karen Lynn (Dennis) Tait

Cashmere, WA

Karen Lynn Tait, 59, a longtime resident of Cashmere, WA and the Upper Valley, died Wednesday, January 4, 2012, at her home in Cashmere. She was born December 9, 1952, to Robert and Vivian (Hughes) Dennis at Leavenworth. She attended school in Peshastin, graduating in 1971, the same year she was Apple Blossom Princess. After graduating, Karen went to Central Washington University. Karen worked at the Wenatchee Valley Clinic and later worked at several of the fruit warehouses in the Valley. As a young girl, she met Dave Tait; it was love at first sight and in 1983, they were married at Tahoe, NV. They made their home in Cashmere, where Karen showed off her green thumb. Plants and flowers flourished at her touch. Karen also enjoyed the time she got to spend at their property at Lake Wenatchee and especially looked forward to their annual trips to Seattle to Christmas shop.

Karen is survived by her husband, Dave Tait of the family home; her son, Brandon Bates of Seattle; her father, Robert "Bob" (Jeannie) Dennis of Peshastin; sister, Kathy Wallace of Seattle; brother, Rob (Janice) Dennis of Peshastin; grandchildren, Page Bates and Hayden Bates, both of Cashmere; several nieces, nephews and cousins; her beloved dog, Two; and caregiver/best friend, Maria Molinero. She was preceded in death by her mother, Vivian.

Karen's family wishes to extend a special thank you to all of Karen's caregivers and a Special thanks to Maria and all the Hospice Nurses, especially Kim and Terri and Dave's sister, Sheryl, who took such great care of her.

A Memorial Service of Commemoration to celebrate the life of Karen Lynn (Dennis) Tait will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. at the Grace Lutheran Church in Cashmere, with a continued time of Celebrating and sharing of Karen's Life at the Riverside Center from 12:00 Noon to 3:00 p.m. Memorials may be made in Karen's name to the Mayo Clinic Alzheimer's Research, in care of Dr. Richard Caselli at Department of Development, 13400 East Shea Boulevard, Scottsdale, AZ 85259. Ward's Funeral Chapel, Leavenworth is in charge of the arrangements.

"Fly With The Angels"