Karen Kay Cain

Karen Kay Cain, 79, died in her beloved hometown of Ottawa, January 2, 2019. Family will meet with friends from 6:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M., Friday, January 11, 2019, at Dengel & Son Mortuary. Celebration of life service will be held at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, January 12, 2019, at the mortuary. Karen was born October 17, 1939, in Ottawa, the daughter of Clifford and Itha “Betty” (Baker) Haverty. She was a lifelong Ottawa resident. She was a graduate of Ottawa High School Class of 1959 and Kansas State Teachers College (now known as Emporia State) graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1970. Karen was united in marriage to Donald A. Cain December 7, 1956 and celebrated their 62nd anniversary last month. Survivors include husband, Don of Ottawa; two children, Rev. Candi Cain-Borgman and husband Craig of Emmaus, Pennsylvania, and Cliff “Donnie” Cain and wife Kerry of Peoria, Arizona; brother, David Haverty and wife Susan of Yuma, Arizona; seven grandchildren, Zachary Klamet, Ashley Lilland and husband Jeff, Caitlyn Lilley and husband Brian, Makenna Cain, Carter Cain, Teagan Cain, and Brylee Cain; and great-grandson, Malcolm Lilland. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clifford and Betty Haverty and daughter, Babbi Cain. Karen dedicated herself to education throughout her life. She began her teaching career at Quenemo High School, moved to USD 290 and continued there in various capacities until her retirement. She taught business and was principal at ECVC, created and was principal at the Ottawa Alternative School and the Franklin County Educational Opportunity Center. Karen believed that everyone deserved a chance at attending school, no matter their life’s circumstances. She loved learning for learning’s sake, sharing her knowledge with others, the land she lived on, her family, and the Jayhawks but not always in that order. She will be missed for her laughter, her sense of fun and her constant love. The family suggests memorial contributions to Alzheimer’s Association c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Karen’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com