Karen Anna Ottenbacher

January 15, 1933 - October 8, 2020

ADRIAN – Karen Anna Ottenbacher, 87, of Adrian died Thursday, October 8, 2020 at Lynwood Manor in Adrian while under the compassionate care of Hospice of Lenawee. Born January 15, 1933 in Detroit, she was the daughter of the late Maurice and LaVerne (Ingley) Merten. Karen was a proud graduate of Northwestern High School in Detroit. She was a long-time employee at Mt. Carmel Mercy Hospital in Detroit. She later moved to Fort Myers, Florida where she worked as a bookkeeper for several different businesses, until she retired from Shanco. Karen had a heart for all animals, but especially enjoyed caring for cats. Karen is survived by her sons, Eric (Ramona) Williams of Adrian and Larry (Sharlene) Phipps of Redford; five grandchildren, Kevin (Christine) Grassel, Parrish Grassel, Heath Grassel, Cris Brown, and Scot (Amy) Brown; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; brother, Keith Merten of Romeo, MI; cousins, Jerry Adams and Denise Sully; and her former step-children, Chuck (Laurie) Ottenbacher, Ed Ottenbacher, Cindy (Jeff) Gourlie, Donna (Ed) Harvey, and Michelle (Arnold) Osgan. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Starr Grassel-Suhas; and sister-in-law, Mary Merten. A gathering of family and friends will take place on Sunday, October 18, 2020 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Wagley Funeral Home, Adrian. Online memories and condolences may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com. The family suggests that memorial contributions in Karen’s name be made to the Lenawee County Humane Society.