Karen Lea Thies' Obituary
Karen Lea Thies, age 77, passed away Thursday, October 30, 2025, at Trinity Health – Grand Rapids Hospital. She was born August 25, 1948, in Grand Haven, MI to Bert and Ina (Zellar) Murphy, Sr. On May 3, 1969, Karen married Raymond L. Thies in Fruitport. She worked 40+ years as a legal assistant for several law firms in the Muskegon and Grand Rapids areas. Karen was an active member of Oakwood Baptist Church where she played piano and helped with the Christmas Programs. She had also volunteered many years for the Reeths-Puffer Band Parents Association with sewing for the band uniforms and props. Karen has also headed up the concession stand on the “away side” for the Reeths-Puffer Football games. Survivors include her loving husband, Raymond Thies; 1 son, Patrick (Tamara) Thies; 2 grandchildren, Dekota (Kyra) Thies and Skyler (Clay) Emenhiser; 4 great-grandchildren, Raegan, Emma, Kaladen and Euin; 3 brothers, Bert (Barb) Murphy, Jr, Blaine Murphy and Kevin Murphy; 1 sister-in-law, Judy (Chuck) Bennett; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son, Matt Thies; her parents; 1 brother, Bruce Murphy; and 1 brother-in-law, Ronald (Beth) Thies. A Funeral Service will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey Street, Norton Shores, MI 49444, with visitation one-hour prior and Pastor Stephen Lillie officiating. A Visitation will be held from 5-8:00 PM Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at The Lee Chapel. Interment will take place at Pine Hill Cemetery in Fruitport. Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Sign the online guestbook at https://www.sytsemafh.com
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