Susan Marie Karns

Susan Marie Linkowski Karns, age 91, of Alliance, went to her heavenly home on March 24, 2007. Susan is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Susan Cathy Karns Datz (and son-in-law Joel) and a son, Mr. Jonathan J. Karns (daughter-in-law Linda). She is also survived by sister, Catherine (Linkowski) Mohler of Sebring, four grandchildren; Stephen J. Datz of West Virginia, Angela M. Datz-Blanco (grandson-in-law Salvador) of Alliance and Guatemala, Jeremy J. Karns of St. Pete Beach, Florida, (fiance Catherine Evans), Thomas J. Karns of Cleveland, Ohio; a great-granddaughter, Whitney L. Abbott-Datz, nieces, great nephews and great nieces.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Ellis L. Karns, her parents, Frank and Susanne Linkowski of Sebring, Ohio, two nephews and a niece.
Mrs. Karns was born in Salem, Ohio and graduated from Sebring McKinley High School. During her life Mrs. Karns belong to Alliance Chapter 296 Order Eastern Stars, where she held several offices and served on various committees. She was also a member of the Knights Templar Ladies Club where she was a past president and served as chaplain for many years. An active member of church community, Mrs. Karns belonged to one of the founding families of Abiding Savior Lutheran Church. She was an active member of the A.L.C.W.; having served as president and was chosen as Woman of the Year. She was an active member of the Esther Circle; serving over the years as secretary, treasurer and chairman. She was an active participant of the Church quilters, making quilts for Lutheran World Relief. Mrs. Karns and her husband served as sponsors for the Luther League and the Young Adult Lutheran of Northeastern Ohio. For 30 years she served as Sunday school and Bible School teacher, being named Sweetheart for the Sunday school. For 44 years, she was a member of the Altar Guild. She was chairwoman for an extensive period. Belonging to the United Church Women, she was representative of her church. Prior to joining Abiding Savior, she was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Sebring, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday school and participating in the Luther League serving as an Augustana Conference District officer and at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Alliance teaching Sunday school, singing in the choir, and taking an active part in the Woman of the church and the Missionary Organization.
Active in the community, Mrs. Karns served as an active member and an officer of the Parkway and South Rockhill Elementary schools PTA and served as a room mother for 10 years as well as assisting with the Brownie and Girl Scout Troops.
In the community, she served on the Board of Elections for 50 years, being based at Abiding Savior Lutheran Church. Mrs. Karns was formerly employed by the Allen Furniture Store of Sebring, Mehl's Shoes and the former Pisanello's Pizza Shop in Alliance, retiring from the Alliance Auto Club.
Enjoying her church and family was a great part of her life, cooking, traveling with her late husband, visiting family and friends all over the United States and Canada and helping others when ever possible.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Abiding Savior Lutheran Church with Pastor Dean Lewis officiating. Friends may call from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday at Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral Home. Interment will be at Highland Memorial Park.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Altar Guild at Abiding Savior Lutheran Church, 1845 S. Sawburg Rd. Alliance, Ohio 44601.
Arrangements are by Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral Home, Alliance, Ohio.