Karen Arlene (Simmons) Harkness

Karen Arlene (Simmons) Harkness of Battle Creek, MI



Karen, age 64, died Saturday afternoon, March 21, 2015 at her residence and surrounded by her loving family.

Karen, the daughter of Verle and Lilia (Woodhams) Simmons, was born on December 11, 1950 in Kalamazoo, MI; was a lifetime area resident and grew up in Galesburg, MI. She served her country honorably and nobly in the United States Army as a Sergeant First Class and was active duty during Operation Enduring Freedom. Karen continued her Army career as a Unit Clerk for the Department of the Army retiring in 2010 after 25+ years. She enjoyed reading and traveling; spoiling her dog, Hope; but her true passion in life was her family especially the grandkids.


Karen was united in marriage to James Gordon "Jim" Harkness on September 21, 1996 in Battle Creek. Surviving is her husband of 19 years, Jim; two daughters, Lisa Nichols and April Sherrill, both of Battle Creek; her son, Brian Sherrill of Battle Creek; six precious grandchildren, Katie, Michael and Alex Sherrill and Destiny and Skyler Nichols and Isabella McAllister; two sisters, Carol (Dan) Lanius of Climax, MI and Mary (David) Selbee of Galesburg and a 1/2 sister, Ruth Srackangast of Blanco, TX. Karen was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Jay Simmons.


The Graveside Service to celebrate Karen's life will be held on Friday, March 27th at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Oak Hill Cemetery, 255 South Avenue, Battle Creek. The United States Army Honor Guard will bestow military honors at the Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Karen's honor may be directed to help defray Karen's medical costs or to the American Cancer Society, Southwest Michigan Area Service Center, 1400 Milham Road, Portage, MI 49024. The Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home, Battle Creek is in charge of the arrangements.