Karen B. Brantner

Karen B. Brantner, 68, Hidden Hollow Lane, Everett, PA; passed away on Tuesday, September 25, 2018 at her beloved Arkay Farm surrounded by loved ones.

She was born on August 5, 1950 in Dallas, Texas; daughter of the late Lonnie and Dotty (Sorensen) Blaydes. She is survived by her husband, Richard K. Brantner, two step children, Calvin Brantner married to Kerry and their daughter Jessica and Dustin Brantner married to Michelle and their son Kyle; a brother Lonnie “Nipper” Blaydes, Jr. married to Kathleen, Dallas TX; a niece and two nephews Colleen Inman married to Joseph, Patrick Blaydes married to Holly, Colin Blaydes and five great nieces/nephews.

In 1983 Karen moved to Everett and adopted Pennsylvania as her new home where she owned and operated the Travelers Rest Motel on Lincoln Highway for many years until her retirement and moving to the farm where she enjoyed her animals and farm life.

She lived her life participating in many community activities giving generously of her time and talents, always with a smile. Her years of community service were honored by the Bedford County Chamber of Commerce with the designation Volunteer of the Year in 2012. She was active with the Hospital Auxiliary, served as a board member and was currently on the patient quality care committee.

Karen was active with the Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor Board promoting tourism along the Lincoln Highway (Rt. 30) and worked with the West Providence Township Authority as well. She was a longtime volunteer at the Everett Food Bank and was an enthusiastic participant in community celebrations, including being Mrs. Claus for the Everett Railroad Museum’s children’s Christmas celebration-a role she inherited from her father who was Santa in their Texas home town for years. Karen and her special Sissys really enjoyed resale shopping and celebrating birthdays!

Karen was a fun person who always brought joy and excitement to any gathering. Although an adopted Pennsylvanian, she never let people forget her Texas roots, schooling everyone on the proper way to prepare and eat Tex-Mex cuisine.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 20, 2018 at 1:00 P.M. at Down River Golf and Country Club, 134 Rivers Bend Drive, Everett, PA 15537.

If friends so desire, memorial contributions may be made in Memory of Karen to the Everett Food Pantry, PO Box 473, Everett, PA 15537 or Bedford County Humane Society, 1108 Lutzville Road, Everett, PA 15537.

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