Karen Sue MellottKaren was born, the oldest of four to George and Charlotte Obringer in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on April 6, 1947. She is survived now, by her husband, Ray Mellott, two sons, Jonathon and Geoffrey; spouses Emily Hind, Toi Mellott and Jane Mellott; and five grandchildren, ranging in age from 30 to 7 months. She was a good student, got great grades, National Merit scholarship, and on to College.She also worked part time in a drive-in diner, where she met Ray Mellott. One thing led to another; and he proposed the summer of 1966. They were married at St. Josephs Catholic Church on December 31, 1966. Ray and Karen both were at pains to assure anybody who asked, that the most important reason for a wedding on New Years Eve was that the Church would still be decorated with flowers from Christmas. Karen was 19 and Ray was 18, after all, and flowers for the church meant a rather significant savings.Two years later their older son, Jonathon was born and a year and change later, Geoffrey. Ray worked and built a computer career that resulted in a number of moves in the early years, but also resulted in a number of domestic and foreign travel opportunities for Ray - and when the sons had moved - for Karen. Karens mother exposed her to things done with fabric, thread, yarn, and more; and from there, she knitted, did cross stitch, and ultimately became an accomplished quilter, winning multiple local show awards, including more than one best of show. It was an avocation that stayed with her until she couldnt sew any more.Recently, because of the years that Karen and Ray were together, she was asked the secret. Her answer? "Were stubborn, but we know when to stop". They would have been married 57 years this December 31, 2023. Her ashes will be interred under a shade tree at Forest Meadows Cemetery Central on January 20, 2024 at 10:30 am. Cemetery Forest Meadows Cemetery (Central) 4100 NW 39th Avenue Gainsville FL 32606 US 352-376-9552 Interment Saturday, January 20, 2024 10:30 AM - Forest Meadows Cemetery (Central) 4100 NW 39th Avenue Gainsville FL 32606 US 352-376-9552 Funeral Home Forest Meadows Funeral Home 725 NW 23rd Avenue Gainsville FL - 32609 US 352-378-2528