Karin Anderson Davis

July 1, 1933 – July 24, 2019

August 2, 2019 – Woodlawn Funeral Home, Lacey, Washington

10:30am – 11:00am: Viewing 

11:00am – 12:00pm: Funeral Service

August 2, 2019 – Silvercreek Cemetery, Randle, Washington 3:00pm: Graveside Service

August 2, 2019 – Spiffy’s Restaurant, Chehalis, Washington 4:30pm: No Host Dinner (reservation under Kristine Padgett) Note: Start time pending time and traffic from Randle to restaurant

Karin Anderson Davis, age 86, passed away, Wednesday, July 24, 2019, in her Lacey, Washington home surrounded by her family. Karin Kristine Anderson was born July 1, 1933, to Helgey Elwood Anderson and Louise Aileen (Siler) Anderson in Tacoma, Washington. Karin was preceded in death by her father, Helgey Anderson, 1971; mother, Louise Anderson, 1993; husband, Marvin K Davis, 1999; and sister, Lynne Rosalind (Anderson) Neagle, 2015.

Karin is survived by her daughters, Kristine Padgett (Charles) [Lacey]; Karli Fuller (Tim) of Renton; and stepchildren, Deborah Davis of Palmer, Alaska; and Scott Davis (Pam) of Nisqually Valley. Karin is also survived by four grandchildren: Alexander Tomlin (Megan) [Kirkland]; Erik Tomlin (Brianne) [Seattle]; Paul Tomlin [Seattle]; and Lyssa Tomlin (fiancé Danial) [Centralia]; and two great-grandchildren: Madeleine Tomlin, age 9 [Kirkland]; Felix Tomlin, age 7 months [Seattle].

Karin grew up in Tacoma, Washington, and enjoyed attending Washington Elementary School, Mason Junior High School, and Stadium High School. Karin graduated from Stadium High School in 1951. She immediately pursued a college education at the College of Puget Sound (University of Puget Sound), majoring in Art. While attending college, Karin designed large homecoming decorations for the Logger Field House and was nominated a Daffodil princess; among various other honors. Karin graduated from college in 1955.

Karin met her first husband, Norman E Tyler, at college, and they married, June 11, 1955, in Tacoma, Washington, where they made their home. Karin and Norman had two daughters, Kristine Michelle Tyler (1955) and Karli Lyn Tyler (1957). While married, Karin pursued her Master of Library Science at the University of Washington in Seattle. Upon graduation, Karin began her career with the Tacoma Public Library – Mottet branch.

In 1962, Karin and Norman divorced. Karin moved to Parkland, Washington, and continued to work at the Mottet library. In 1963, Karin met her soul mate, Marvin K Davis of Spanaway, Washington. They married June 13, 1964, and moved to Olympia, Washington, where Karin pursued her Children’s Librarian career with the Timberland Regional Library – Olympia branch. Karin was often known as the “bookmobile lady” in the mid-1960s. Traveling in the bookmobile, she brought children’s literature to rural patrons across five counties: Thurston, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Grays Harbor.

In 1965, Karin and Marvin moved the family to the Nisqually valley with an opportunity to own acreage and enjoy the life of a small farm encompassing a cat, dogs, horses, goats, pigs, chickens, ducks, guinea pigs, and even turtles! Karin took up raising two litters of German Shorthaired Pointers and trained two different dogs to show in amateur competition. While balancing a career and country living, Karin returned to school at Ft Lewis and attained her teacher’s certification so she could become a school librarian. Karin was hired by the Olympia School District and served as a children’s librarian at Pioneer Elementary for the remainder of her career. Karin enjoyed her summers by reading many books and attending horse shows, including the 4-H fair. Karin never lacked for anything to do. She studied interior design in college and brought her talent to the home; read all kinds of topics from world religions, Egyptian studies, to Harry Potter. Karin enjoyed doing puzzles; playing the piano; landscaping; gardening; growing fuchsias; watching and feeding birds; and adding to her collectibles from David Winter cottages to Barbie dolls. She eventually attained more than 500 dolls!

After retirement in May 1989, Karin and Marvin enjoyed traveling in their RV and taking cruises.  Karin’s favorite post-retirement trip was to England with the specific theme of “ghost hunting”. She travelled across England and Wales staying in many castles and old hotels. Her first trip to Disneyland was accomplished in 1994, and of course, her favorite section was Fantasyland.

After the passing of her husband in 1999, Karin enjoyed travelling to Sedona, Arizona, for numerous visits, until she could no longer travel in 2003. On February 28, 2001, she experienced the Nisqually earthquake, and although she was near the epicenter, she managed to escape injury or sustain damage to her home and contents.

In 2017, Karin moved in with her daughter, Kristine, and son-in-law, Charles, who lovingly cared for her until her death. Much gratitude is extended to her daughter, Karli, for her visits and bringing joy from the past with Story book dolls, paper dolls, flowers from her garden, and good home cooking. Karin’s granddaughter, Lyssa, a CNA, actively supported Karin from March 2019 until her passing.

While living with Kristine and Chuck, they learned how much Karin enjoyed Mt. Rainier. Every drive was punctuated with her joyous outburst, “Look at that mountain!” Karin also shared her love for listening for small planes, and seeing the silvery, shimmering backside of Quaking Aspen leaves in the wind. Karin was a child at heart and looked for joy in everything. Karin’s gentle spirit, sweet smile, and positive outlook on life are already missed. Karin was a quiet soul with a powerful presence.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Envision Hospice (West Olympia) and/or the Lacey Fire Department 3 (Willamette Drive station).