Karen Ruth (Putney) Tazelaar, 55

DOVER - Karen Ruth Putney Tazelaar of Dover died Wednesday, June 6, 2007, in her home, after a long courageous battle with cancer. She was 55.

Karen was born June 21, 1951, in Newton, Iowa, the eldest child of James and Alberta Putney. She was raised in a military family and lived in many areas of the U.S. and Korea.

She attended Dover Air Force Base High School, but graduated in El Centro, Calif., in 1969.

Karen married James Harold Tazelaar on Jan. 30, 1969. They had three children, Mark Harold, Christopher Alan and Elisabeth Ann.

She was a member of the Milford Church of the Nazarene.

Karen joined the Civil Air Patrol in 1983 to work alongside her husband and all three children. She desired the wonderful influence it gave in volunteer training for youth in leadership and morale living. She also held many responsible positions with the rank of major as supply officer, transportation, and worked with the Cadets Drill Team. She was the senior escort for the cadets on many activities.

She also served in the Salvation Army when she was a teenager.

Karen was a den mother for her scouting children.

She and her husband spent time in Guatemala on a work team to build a church district center. While there, they held Bible classes for Kekchi Indian children. In their Honor, the Milford Nazarene Church built a church in La Isla, Guatemala.

Karen worked for Wal-Mart for 14 years as department manager for several departments.

She loved caring for her grandchildren, camping and enjoying family gatherings, dinners and doing for others. Her life was one of service and caring for family and friends.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband of 34 years, James Harold Tazelaar; and a son, Mark Harold Tazelaar.

In addition to her parents, James and Alberta Putney of Wichita Falls, Texas; she is survived by her father-in-law and mother in law, Clifford and Iva Tazelaar of Dover; a son and daughter-in-law, Christopher and Amanda Tazelaar of Dover; a daughter, Elisabeth Russell of Smyrna; her grandsons, Marcus Tazelaar, Andrew Tazelaar and Brian James Russell; a step-granddaughter, Julianna; her brothers, James Putney Jr. and Timothy Putney, both of Wichita Falls; a sister, Diane Baker; her brothers-in-law, John Tazelaar, Arthur Morris and Lonny Hurd Jr.; her sisters-in-law, Leah Hurd, Mary Morris and Sharon Tazelaar; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; a host of wonderful friends; and a little miniature Italian Greyhound, Fabio.

Celebration of life services will be 2 p.m. Sunday in Melvin Funeral Home, 15522 S. DuPont Highway, Harrington, where friends may view from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday. Burial will be private at the Sharon Hills Memorial Cemetery of Dover.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Delaware Hospice, 911 S. DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901; Delaware Wing of Civil Air Patrol, 199 N. DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE 19720; or to the Milford Church of the Nazarene World Missions Work and Witness, 11 N. Salevan Place, Milford, DE 19963.