Karen L. (Poole) Gowins, 72, of Gnadenhutten, died on Thursday, July 16, 2015, in Community Hospice House in New Philadelphia, after a sudden illness. She was born in East Liverpool, Ohio on May 23, 1943. Her parents were the late James and Leona (Rice) Poole. Karen graduated from Washington High School in Massillon, Ohio in 1961, where she went to school with Arthur William “Bill” Gowins II, whom she married on September 6, 1962. Karen worked as a Radiation Technician at Union Hospital for 20 years. Karen also worked with her husband, Bill, at Gowins Funeral Home for 30 years. Karen was a member of the John Heckewelder Memorial Moravian Church. She was also a Den Mother for several years for the Brownies and Cub Scouts.

            Along with her husband, Karen is survived by two children: Kelly Gowins, of Gnadenhutten, and Debbie (John) Wellman, of Galloway; three grandchildren: Zachary and Ian Wellman, and Christian Gowins; mother-in-law, Shirley Gowins; a niece, Lori (Kevin) Kay; and a nephew, Kiley Hamilton.

            Karen is preceded in death by her parents, sister, LaVerne Hamilton, and father-in-law, Arthur W. Gowins I.

            Services for Karen will be held on Sunday, July 19, 2015 at 3:00 PM at the John Heckewelder Memorial Moravian Church, 133 S. Walnut St., Gnadenhutten, Ohio with Rev. Bill Surber officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Tuscarawas County, or the John Heckewelder Moravian Church, P.O. Box 126, Gnadenhutten, Ohio 44629.