Karen L. Royster

Karen L. Royster was a bright, energetic woman whose zest for living was unstoppable. She enjoyed being around people, and it showed in her many involvements throughout her community. With her artistic flare and good sense of humor, she was also a joy to be around. She pursued many interests and was intent on bettering herself through learning. Above all, Karen was a proud and loving grandmother, who valued her grandchildren's accomplishments and relished the time they spent together.

Karen was born at a time when political matters were stirring in Europe. Yet, Americans took inspiration from Franklin Roosevelt's Fireside Chats, and they swelled with pride over Jesse Owen's gold medal at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. At home in Muskegon, Michigan, Clifford and Phyllis (VanderLaan) Hammond welcomed their dear daughter Karen, born on March 27, 1939. Their family already included her older half brother, and it grew to three children with the birth of her younger brother. The family moved to Holland, Michigan when Karen was young, and she attended Holland Public Schools for her education. Karen was very intelligent, and she maintained her interest in learning throughout her life.

Karen married at about age 19 and was blessed with two children, Teresa and Douglas. However, the marriage did not last. In 1975, Karen moved to Crete, Illinois on the south side of Chicago, with her new husband, William Royster. But when William passed away, Karen returned to the Saugatuck area in the 1990s. Eventually she met Owen Smith, with whom she shared her life for 15 years. Among their many experiences together, travel played a large role. They went on cruises through the Caribbean, on train trips and motor home excursions to visit Karen's grandson in Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina. For Karen, it was always a pleasure to connect with her grandchildren. She was very proud of her two grandsons, especially when Branden acquired the rank of Eagle Scout and Nickholas formed his own band, "Indacoda Blue."

Karen worked with several different companies throughout her career, mainly in the accounting field. She was employed by Lithobar, Westshore Marina, Schlitz Distributing, H & R Block Tax Services, and FMB Bank in Douglas (now Huntington Bank). She also earned a real estate license and sold insurance for a time. As a member of the American Red Cross, Karen served as a swimming instructor and as Assistant Director. She was also a member of the Lakeside Investors Club, the VFW Women's Auxiliary and the Knights of the Road R.V. Club. Characteristically, Karen used her time and talents to benefit those around her.

Whether working as a volunteer or spending her leisure time taking classes, doing crafts, or playing games and puzzles, Karen was always on the go. Even when her health was failing and she was receiving oxygen, she never let it stop her from getting out and seeing people. Such resilience and love for life become Karen's legacy to her family and friends who cherish her dearly.

Karen L. Royster, age 68, of Saugatuck, died Saturday, June 9, 2007, at her home.

Preceding her is death was her husband, William Royster. She is survived by her companion of 15 years, Owen Smith, of Saugatuck; Children, Teresa and Richard Elliott, of Hamilton, and Douglas and Daisy Otting, of Saugatuck; 2 grandson's, Branden Otting and Nickholas Otting; and a brother, Robert Hammond. Funeral services are scheduled for Wednesday, 11:00AM at the Saugatuck Chapel, Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes, 520 Lake Street, Saugatuck. Officiating will be the Rev. John Westra. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, from 1-3PM and 7-9PM, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Holland.

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