Obituary of Barbara LaVonne Karsten (Terry)

Lavonne Karsten of Lake Tapps, WA passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday morning at the age of ninety on February 25, 2024, with her husband and family by her side.

Lavonne was born on January 26, 1934, to parents Carrie and Sylvester Terry in the city of Madrid Nebraska. One of five kids, she grew up with two sisters and two brothers. Most of her younger years were spent living in Nebraska before the family moved to Oregon.

LaVonne met her husband Lee Karsten in the ninth grade. They got married soon after high school and started raising their kids in Salem Oregon before they moved the family to Des Moines, WA. In 1982 they began building their dream home on Lake Tapps in Washington. Lee and LaVonne recently celebrated their 71st wedding Anniversary. Together they have a large family of over 70 immediate family members. Including their five kids (one of which is LaVonne’s younger sister), fourteen grandkids, twenty great- grandkids (and counting), four nephews and nine great- nieces and nephews (and counting). Together they have set an inspiring example of how to love one another and live life to the fullest. Their countless memories are forever cherished.

When LaVonne’s kids grew older she went back to school and was very proud to earn a degree in education. She became a substitute teacher in the Sumner School district. She greatly enjoyed teaching and was grateful to work in the community where she lived. Her grandkids have many comical stories of what it was like to have their grandma as their teacher.

Being with her friends and family was LaVonne’s favorite way to spend her time. She is known for graciously sharing her beautiful home on the lake. She was always planning a party, picnic, celebration, or family gathering. LaVonne was a classic example of work hard, play hard. She enjoyed going to church events, sewing, crafting, gardening, taking good care of her home, listening to music, singing in the church choir, watching the Seattle Mariners or old movies and TV shows. LaVonne & Lee spent a lot of time traveling and enjoyed experiencing new places. She was always up for an adventure. LaVonne loved having fun and trying new things like, country line dancing, golfing, or playing piano. She would even agree to sing a karaoke song even if she didn’t know it! She loved to water ski in the summers and spent many winters snow skiing. She adored the beach and spending time at their cabin on Whidbey Island. She loved to laugh and could always take a joke. She liked to wear red, bake apple crisp, and was a talented blanket maker. She loved to gift afghans and quilts to her family and friends. Her family will giggle and smile remembering her many to do lists and post- it notes that were often all over the house. She proudly supported her family attending their sporting and school events, theatre performances, dance recitals, choir and band concerts, church programs or anything they were up to. She was there to show her love and support. (often with an oversized VHS camcorder on her shoulder).

Lavonne’s faith and love for Jesus, was the greatest part of who she was. She loved to worship and sing for the Lord. She has left us with the enduring legacy of how to live a fulfilling life as a faithful Christian woman. To all who knew her, LaVonne lived a life that showed us how to love God first and to forever live in gratitude for the beautiful life that he gave us.

Lavonne was preceded in death by parents Carrie and Sylvester Terry. Siblings; Leah Heinrich, Wayne Terry, and Monte Terry. Nephew, Justin Folkert.

LaVonne is survived by husband Lee Karsten. Children; Cindy Osley (Greg), Kathy Romonada, (Phil), Mike Karsten (Julie), Jason Karsten (Karen). Sister, Sharon Folkert (Glenn). Sister in-law, Shirley Terry. Grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews and great nephews and nieces.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation or

Pacific Northwest Adult & Teen Challenge - Addiction and Recovery Treatment Center

The family is planning a celebration of life to take place during the first week of July at Lee & LaVonne’s home.