Karen L. Henry (Vance)

Karen L. Henry (Vance), 68, of Akron, passed away New Years Day following a lengthy illness. Karen was an animal lover, especially of her beloved Lab "Ebony" and her cat "Pea-Dinkle." She enjoyed crocheting and spending time with people she came in contact with. Karen had a kind, loving heart and she will be missed dearly by all who met her.

Karen now joins with her mom, Nicky Vance.

She is survived by Allen Slabaugh, her significant other; Gale Soltas, her little sis; daughters, Kim (Steve) Buskirk and Melissa (Rick) Doyle; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and long-time friend, Dave Cooper.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 7, 2018 from 2-4 pm at Newcomer Funeral Home, 131 N. Canton Rd., Akron. Private burial will take place at Greenlawn Memorial Park.


--"Footprints in the Sand" --
One night I had a dream.
I was walking along the beach with the Lord,
and across the skies flashed scenes from my life.
In each scene I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand.
One was mine, and one was the Lord's.
When the last scene of my life appeared before me,
I looked back at the footprints in the sand, and to my surprise,
I noticed that many times along the path of my life
there was only one set of footprints.
And I noticed, that it was at the lowest and saddest times in my life.
I asked the Lord about it
"Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you,
you would walk with me all the way.
But I notice that during the most troublesome times in my life
there is only one set of footprints,
I don't understand why you left my side
when I needed you most."
The Lord said "My precious child,
I never left you during your time of trial.
Where you see only one set of footprints,
I was carrying you."