When God “cared enough to send His very best.”

Karen was certainly the embodiment of the iconic Hallmark tag line. No matter the celebratory occasion or need for encouragement, there was a card sent. At all times, she wanted those in her life to know they mattered and that regardless of the storm you were enduring, she was  there for you—praying you through. Karen, in true Hallmark fashion, went to be with her Lord and Savior on her birthday. The Lord knew that on this day, no card would suffice, only His presence would be the very best.

Karen Cuppers Gibson Ashworth, born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was predeceased by her parents Mary Elizabeth (Betsy) and Thomas Gibson, and brothers, Paul, Thomas, and Glenn. Cherishing her memory is her husband of 69 years John (Jack) Ashworth as well as her three children Tambria (Rob), Stephen (Marie), and Christopher (Wendy) and 8 grandchildren Braden (Melissa), Tessa (Shane), Chase (Kaylee), Stephen John (Stacy), Jeremy, Zachary (Melissa), Elijah, and Christopher John, 15 great-grandchildren, her brothers Brian (Daya), Scott (Margaret), sister Terry (Jack), sisters-in-law Rynie and Deborah, countless nieces and nephews, and her adopted (sister) Patricia Elsner and husband Arthur.

Besides being with her family, Karen loved nothing more than being outside to cultivate beauty. Flowers, plants, birds, and nature brought her immense joy. Her passionate expressions of joy at eating on the porch of the Ashworth family’s summer home at Chautauqua Lake (NY) or in her well-ordered home (being a true Yinzer-a need to “red up the room”) will always be forefront in her family’s memory. As an avid needle pointer, she also created many keepsakes for her family. In all, Karen’s laugh will be her legacy. When she laughed, the room was lit by an energy only she could bring.

Throughout her life she fully embraced ministry and was a faithful listener and intercessor for so many. She and her husband Jack witnessed to countless individuals making it a priority for all to experience new life in Christ. Karen taught Sunday School, Bible Studies, worked in children’s ministry, sang in the choir, and stood for life.

The family would like to thank the hospice staff at Walter Reed Post Acute Care in Gloucester, Virginia, Pastor Evenson and the staff at World Outreach Center in Newport News, the neighbors on Dawson Crescent, and Altmyer Funeral home for their exceptional kindness during Karen’s last days.

The family will continue to cherish her memory and plan to celebrate her life at a later date.