Hilbert A. Grote (Gus), Alva E. Grote (Alva did all the hard part) and older brother Dennis welcomed Karen as she began her life journey on June 3, 1949 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She departed this world by the light of the silvery moon on May 6, 2020, a few weeks short of her 71 ^st birthday.

Just in time for the cold war the Grote family moved to Bossier City. Karen attended elementary, junior high school making friends each year and graduating from Bossier High School with the class of 1967. Her quiet personality did not impede her from engaging in numerous high school activities. She stayed connected with high school friends, working on every reunion sometimes with gentle persuasion…maintaining lifelong connections and friendships. She continued her education at Louisiana Tech, Ruston and graduated from ULM (formerly Northeast State University) Monroe in 1972. She began her employment career with the state of Louisiana in 1972 working as a social worker with the Department of Family Services, and then transferred to Louisiana Rehabilitation Services in 1985 as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, moving to Baton Rouge as a District Supervisor. She returned to Shreveport to be Regional Manager for Louisiana Rehabilitation Services ending her career with state employment in 2005 when she retired. A coworker described her this way…"I will remember her sweet low key voice, her calm demeanor, her kindness, her desire to help others, and that "chuckle" along with so many good memories."

Karen had many talents…culinary not necessarily included. A sign in her kitchen said "I only have a kitchen because it came with the house". However, her pie crusts were homemade and her apple pie incredible. Her many other talents included sewing, needlework, stained glass work, hair care for special friends and for her efforts she received a free meal…not bad for someone who didn't like to cook.

Karen laughed quietly, loved friends and family with all her heart. She was strong, independent and yes, sometimes strong minded (stubborn).  A  life well lived, she  will be missed by those who were fortunate to cross her path along her life journey.

Karen is survived by her brother Dennis Grote, sister-in-law Carrie; nephew Matthew Grote; niece Nicole Tomaszewski, husband J T; great nieces and nephews, Walker, Max , Alexandra and Andrew.

Karen is also survived by one son, Terrell Baker and  wife Shelia with whom she was recently reunited. This reunion gave her great joy and comfort during the past months.

There will be no service at this time. A gathering of friends and family to celebrate her life will be held at a later date.

The family would like to extend thanks to Dr. Jordan Abdehou, the MontClair staff who cared for her during this time of isolation. Special thanks to her sitter, Melanie Blackwell, who became her friend, to Cindy Walker for taking care of her beloved Dachschund, Chloe and to  Mark Thomas for taking Chloe for frequent walks.

Contributions in her name may be made to Robinson's Rescue, the Methodist Children's Home or charity of donor's choice.