Karen Detch's Obituary
Karen Nadine Detch was born in Middletown, New York to Corwin Howell and Ethel Christine Soderblom Detch. She moved to St. Petersburg FL as a child. She graduated from Seminole High School in 1971. She went to Tallahassee Community College prior to deciding to move to Gainesville FL where she attended cosmetology school. Karen excelled at her profession as a hairstylist and was very proud of the clientele of friends that she amassed over the years. She was a co-owner/partner of several salons. She owned her own salon, Elan for Hair, for over 20 years.
Karen was a great friend to so many people. When she arrived in Gainesville, she immediately started playing softball on many city league and travel teams and played for over 20 years. Karen was a Black Belt Karate and student of other martial arts. Without a doubt the sport that she loved the most was Golf. Karen started playing golf later in life, but she was an excellent golfer and dedicated to the sport. She loved all the amazing women that she played many tournament and friendly rounds of golf with. She was playing golf just four months before her passing.
Karen will be missed by all who knew her and enjoyed her easy to be with personality. She could talk to anyone and make them relax in any social setting, especially when she had you sitting in her salon chair. To that end she was also a counselor as she cut and colored your hair. You knew your secrets were safe with Karen.
Karen met her loving wife Sheri in 1985 during a hair appointment. Karen boldly called Sheri and asked her out for coffee. That was the start of a beautiful love story. During the 38 years they were together, including married for 10 years, they shared an amazing and loving family. Karen was preceded in death by her parents and stepdaughter Cecily Starnes. Left to remember Karen is her wife Sheri, son in law Chip Starnes and grandchildren Collin, Connor and Carson Starnes. Great grandchildren Kane and Tate. Sisters-in-law Kay (Ed) Lores and Barbara (Nick) Yonclas and their extended families. She is also survived by her loving dog Joey.
At the end Karen expressed gratitude and love for the life that she had lived. She felt grateful for all the loving people who were a part of her amazing life. Karen had one wish for us all…Be Kind!
Sheri would like to express her sincere gratitude to all the loving friends and neighbors who made sure she and Karen were well fed and stocked with supplies. To the neighbors who showed up religiously to walk beautiful Joey, we cannot thank you enough!
Karen determined that she would be buried at the Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery in a natural green burial. That will occur on Saturday August 3, 2024, at 11 am. Please wear comfortable attire and closed toe shoes appropriate for outdoor activity. Following the interment at Prairie Creek there will be a celebration of life at Cyprus and Grove Brewery beginning at 12:30. We will show a short video of Karens life and offer attendees an opportunity to share a memory with the people who gather to remember our amazing family member and friend. There will be snacks and a food truck will be available for purchase.
Prairie Creek Cemetery is located at 7204 County Road 234 Gainesville FL 32641. Cyprus and Grove Brewery is located at 1001 NW 4 Street Gainesville FL 32601.
What’s your fondest memory of Karen?
What’s a lesson you learned from Karen?
Share a story where Karen's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Karen you’ll never forget.
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