AUSTINTOWN - Karen M. Champion, 65, passed away Thursday afternoon, Nov. 17, 2016, at Hospice House following an extended illness.

Karen was born Feb. 21, 1951, in Youngstown, and was a daughter of the late Joseph and Carmel Russo Giancola.

She was a 1969 graduate of Struthers High School, lived much of her life in Struthers, and spent several years living in Ft. Myers, Fla.

Mrs. Champion worked in the kitchen at LaFontenella in the Fonderlac Country Club, and she was a self-employed cosmetologist/beautician for 10 years.

She enjoyed crocheting and painting, and she loved spending time with her family.

Karen's beloved husband, Randy M. "Bud" Champion, whom she married Oct. 24, 1970, passed away Aug. 11, 2015.

She leaves her son, Joseph (Heather) Champion of Lehigh Acres, Fla.; her granddaughter, Stella Rose; her sister, Marian "Pooh" (John "J.J.") Banyots, with whom she made her home; her niece and goddaughter, Michelle (Brian) Beany of Austintown; two great-nephews, Brian and Dylan; and a great-niece, Emily.

Karen will be truly and sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Family and friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m., Monday, Nov. 21, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Road, Youngstown.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Tuesday, at the funeral home.

Private committal services will take place at a later date, where Karen will be laid to rest next to her husband.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Karen's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, through https://www.stjude.org or to Hospice House, 9803 Sharrott Rd., Poland, OH  44514.