Karen Sue Brinkley

Karen Sue Brinkley, 60, of Puyallup, formerly of Springfield, Illinois, passed away on November 11, 2012 at Good Samaritan Hospital. Upon meeting Karen, you’d quickly gather that she was “one special lady.” Karen touched the lives of those around her with her simplistic beauty, quirky personality, and her ability to tell it like it is. Karen was a kid at heart who found joy her children, grandchildren, and in tackling creative projects and adventures. Karen’s spontaneity landed her on an airplane for the first time in 2005, when she moved to Washington State and met Tim Otto, who became her companion and soul mate. Karen was preceded in death by her father, Harvey Hinkle. Surviving are her daughters, Keri and Kristy DeWall, Springfield, IL; son Rick Gentry, Santa Clarita, CA; mother Mary Jane Hinkle, Springfield, IL; companion Tim Otto, Puyallup; six grandchildren; one great grandchild; and her siblings Linda and Bill and their families. A special thank you to the Good Samaritan 4th Floor Oncology staff for their kindness. Karen’s family will celebrate her life on Saturday, Dec. 1st at 11 a.m. at Unity Church of Springfield, IL. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that Karen’s youthful spirit lives on with donations to Toys for Tots.