Karen M. Towne, age 74 of Newaygo, passed away Tuesday, October 21, 2014 at the Spectrum Health Butterworth Campus in Grand Rapids following her battle with cancer. Karen was born on February 29, 1940 in Newaygo to Ray and Dorothy (Heffron) Millard. Karen was born on a leap year and thus only had 18 birthdays. Karen graduated from Newaygo High School in 1958 and married James K. Towne on March 15, 1958 in Newaygo. James preceded her in death on February 5, 2008. Karen has been a lifelong resident of the Newaygo area where she was a member of the St. Mark's Episcopal Church and had been active in the church for many years where she organized and printed the bulletins for worship. Karen had been the manager of the V Store in Newaygo for 15 years then later retired from Cronk's Hardware in 2002 where she had been a secretary and bookkeeper for 23 years. After her retirement, Karen worked part time at Cronk's Restaurant in Newaygo as a bookkeeper as well. In her younger years, Karen enjoyed camping, traveling and fishing with Jim and had enjoyed being on the computer. Karen especially treasured the times she spent with her grandchildren and following their activities. Karen is survived by her daughters, Sonya (Brad) Sylvester of South Haven, MI; Gwen (Pat) Kitchen of South Bend, Indiana; her grandchildren, Jim (fiancé, Leanne Kiska) Sharp, Lance Sharp, and Sarah Sylvester; her brothers, Jack Millard of Tampa, Florida; Robert Millard of Fremont; her brother-in-laws, Ken (Kathy) Towne of Canadian Lakes; Randy (Marge) Towne of Fremont; several nieces and nephews. VISITATION : Thursday, October 23, 2014 from 5-8pm at Crandell Funeral Home – Fremont Chapel. FUNERAL SERVICES : Friday, October 24, 2014 at 1pm at the St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Newaygo. INTERMENT : Newaygo Cemetery. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS : St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Newaygo.