Karen Lou Heatwole Eberly
Karen Lou Heatwole Eberly was the second-born to the late James and Lelia (Bowman) Heatwole on June 14, 1945. She died on February 7, 2024 at the age of 78. She had been a resident at VMRC since May of last year, and her health declined quickly after experiencing another stroke in January.
Karen attended high school at Turner Ashby and Lancaster Mennonite, and then graduated from Eastern Mennonite High School in 1963. In 1964, she married Frederick Eberly, who preceded her in death on July 8, 2021. They had one daughter, Melissa Joy Eberly.
Karen and Fred made many friends in their travels and among others, gladly hosted folks from Maine, Pennsylvania and Oregon in their home. Karen was a homemaker and gardener, and always had projects going on around their home...one of those being a beautiful stone wall that she and Fred built together at their "big blue house" north of Harrisonburg. Karen loved all things blue, from wall color to pretty dishes and trinkets!
Karen was a member of Lindale Mennonite Church and enjoyed the support and "Teas" that the ladies hosted at VMRC for members who were residents there. Special thanks to Dana and Donna Sommers who were such special helpers and friends to Karen and Fred.
Karen is survived by her daughter, Melissa Eberly, and her siblings: Linda Heatwole, of Rockingham, Glennys Shouey and Debra (Alvin) Showalter of Mt. Crawford, Daryl (Bea) Heatwole of Weyers Cave, and Barbie (Gary) O'Brien of Rockingham, along with numerous well-loved nieces and nephews. Karen very much appreciated the loving support she received from Fred's family: Ava Griffin, Mandell Shank, Robert & Elaine Eberly, Becky Eberly and Buddy & Karen Eberly.
In addition to her parents and husband, Karen was preceded in death by her sister Janice Pattis and husband Jim, and her niece Tiffany Heatwole.
A viewing will be held at Johnson Funeral and Cremation Service in Bridgewater, on Friday, February 9, 2024 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm.
At Karen's request, there will be a graveside service at the Dayton Cemetery on Saturday morning, February 10, 2024 at 11:00 AM.
If desired, in Karen's memory, gifts may be made to the Compassion Fund at VMRC, 1501 Virginia Ave, Harrisonburg, VA 22802.
Arrangements are by Johnson Funeral and Cremation Service in Bridgewater. Online condolences to the family may be shared at www.johnsonfs.com.
