Karen Sue Sims

Karen Sims, 70, passed away in the arms of her loving husband on December 13, 2021 following a two decade battle with heart disease culminating with having been in home hospice care since March, 2020. People often said that she was one of the nicest people they knew.

Karen was a 1969 graduate of Rootstown High School. During her career, she was employed by Jet Rubber, Amoco Chemical and the Ewart-Ohlson Machine Co., where she was office manager for 37 years prior to retiring in 2016. She was grateful for the thoughtfulness, support, and kindness extended by Dave, Peggy and Brian Ewart through her many illnesses during those years.

She was a voracious reader who also enjoyed traveling to most of the 50 states, particularly enjoying California and Hawaii.  She also frequented local theater and concerts.  But most of all, she loved her kitties.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Bert and June Morgan and her sister, Linda Palmisano.

She is survived by the love of her life, her husband, Ed, who was her high school sweetheart, and with whom she enjoyed 48 years of wedded bliss in this life, and they will someday continue their journey and will be together forever. He freely admits that she has been his inspiration and whose never ending love and encouragement is the reason for any and all success he has ever had, or ever will have. Beyond any doubt, she was the best thing that ever happened to him.

Also surviving Karen are her uncle, John Eisle, her niece, Alicia Calvin, numerous cousins, and their respective families. Love and thanks to her special neighbors Dan and Jonee Ketchum.

Karen wanted to thank Dr. Gary Williams, her personal hero, whose amazing skills provided her with over a decade of additional years to enjoy. Thanks also to the numerous nurses, aides, doctors, and staff at Summa City Hospital for the wonderful care she always received during the many times she was in need to their expertise. Additionally, special thanks to Dr. Kelli Sabin and the staff of Ohio Family Practice for the years of compassionate and excellent care.

There will be no public services. Should you so desire, and have the ability, memorial donations may be made to either of the following scholarship funds to assist future graduates (please specify that your donation is for the Karen and Ed Sims scholarships at either) for Rootstown students, sent to:  Portage Foundation, Box 623, Kent, Ohio 44240; for Rittman students, send to: The Wayne County Foundation, 517 N. Market St., Wooster, Ohio 44691; or to The American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, Texas.

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N. Miller Road  Akron, OH  44333.