Karen was a 1968 graduate of Western Beaver High School, a 1972 graduate of Edinboro University with a Bachelor's degree in Education and received her Master's degree in reading in 1974 from Edinboro. Karen was a Spanish teacher at Cumberland Valley High School. She was a member of Carlisle Brethren In Christ Church, the Carlisle Junior Civic Club, the Welcome Wagon in Athens, PA, the Newcomers and was an instructor and member of Gold's Gym and the former Slim Time Spa, both of Carlisle. Karen was an avid tennis player and was on two ladies senior doubles teams, one of which recently won third place in the national U.S.T.A. tournament. Karen was also a faculty advisor to the Barefoot Players (drama club), prom, Thon, honorary foreign language society andnumerous trips to Spain. She took special interest in her grandchildren, gardening, dining, reading, travel andcrafts.

She is survived by her loving husband of nearly 42 years, Glenn Gow, one daughter, Angela (and her husband, Matthew) Groman of Hollidaysburg, one brother, George E. Richards, III, three sisters; Janet Keatts, Judy Madgar and Sheryl Richards-Seemiller, four grandsons and several nieces and nephews. Karen was preceded in death by her son, Aaron Gow, who died June 14, 1995.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 9, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. in the Carlisle Brethren In Christ Church, 1155 Walnut Bottom Rd., Carlisle, PA with Rev. Dr. Kenneth Hoke officiating. Burial will be in Cumberland Valley Memorial Gardens, Carlisle. A viewing will be held at the church on Tuesday evening from 6 - 9:00 p.m. and on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services. Ewing Brothers Funeral Home, Carlisle, is in charge of the arrangements.