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In Memory

Karrie Kay Gard (Clayton) - Class Of 1981 VIEW PROFILE

Karrie Kay Gard (Clayton)

Karrie is survived by her husband of 36 years Ricky, Son Rusty Clayton, Daughter Rebekah Clayton, Granddaughter Annabelle Clayton, sister Dona Hall, Brother Donald Gard Jr., Sister-in-Laws: Karen (Tim) Woodhurst, Connie (Carson) Savari, Theresa (Junior) Napier, and Laura (Dennis) Whitmer, Brother-in-law Daniel (Jill) Clayton, her very best friend, Nancy “Gurt” Sparks, and a host of nieces and nephews.  Karrie is proceeded in death by her parents, Donald Sr. and Lillian Gard, Sisters Sandra Onderdonk and Joyce Dozier, Brother Richard Gard, Brother-in-Law Richard Hall, and Sister-in-laws, Marlene Gard and Vicky Clayton.

Karrie grew up on the west side of South Bend, where she attended school at Navarre and Washington High, graduating in 1981.  She continued her education at Ivy Tech where she obtained an associate’s degree in Business Administration and then went on to marry her high school sweetheart, Ricky, on September 27, 1986.  She worked for the South Bend Community School Corporation for over 20 years - much of this time spent at Navarre Intermediate.  Karrie was also a staple at the Scottsdale/Erskine Village Hacienda, where she mostly bartended for over 25 years and was very proud of her plaque that hangs above the bar.  When she wasn’t bartending, you may have caught her out at Hacienda having a Sangria Swirl with friends, tailgating at Notre Dame, or out at any local live music or festivals – almost always with Gurt by her side. Attending country concerts, especially Kenny Chesney, was one of her most favorite things to do. She knew how to have the best time – our very own resident bartender, who always got the party started.  Karrie was also calm and level-headed, a source of advice to many that knew her.  She cared deeply for her friends; her family was her heart and soul. Her sister, Dona, was a huge part of her life and became a great help in Karrie’s care until the end.  Even with her diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer and all the obstacles she faced, Karrie remained a light in everyone’s lives and found comfort in her faith throughout her journey.  

All family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service that will be held at Immanuel United Methodist Church, 1211 W. Ewing Ave, South Bend, IN 46613 on Thursday, December 1, 2022 at 10:00 AM. A celebration of life and a private cemetery service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

Immanuel United Methodist Church

and/or

Promedica Hospice (formally Heartland)

230 W. Catalpa Dr. D

Mishawaka, IN 46545

Elkhart Cremation Services has been entrusted with her care.

11/29/2022 JFC



Click here to see Karrie Kay's last Profile entry.