Karen Jo Powers

Karen Jo Powers

July 27, 1943 – August 7, 2026

Karen was born to Margaret and Raymond Summers on July 27, 1943, in Detroit, Michigan. As a child, Karen enjoyed many hobbies and interests, including various crafts, animals, and the Zoo.

Karen attended Denby High School in Detroit. In 1961, Karen married Richard Emenaker and had four daughters, Arlene, Pam, Noelle, and Tiffany. She was married to Richard until his untimely passing due to cancer in 1972. In 1973, Karen met and married her husband, Hiram Powers, bringing together his daughter, Stephanie Powers, and subsequently had a 6th child, Todd, born in 1975, continuing their life together in their home in Leonard, Michigan.

Karen loved family life and working with her children. She was a strict parent, focused on keeping her children moving forward, improving their future lives, and ensuring their personal discipline. Karen and Hi raised their family together, even moving temporarily to Germany in support of Hi’s career in the automotive industry. Karen was a wonderful and talented mother, drawing on her experience and the skills she acquired through both good and difficult times.

She was an amazing cook and continued her love of crafts by frequently making clothes for her children and later, her grandchildren. The family fondly remembers the amazing dinners Karen and Hi prepared as their kids grew from children to adults.

In 1998, Karen and Hi moved to California, joining 3 of their children who had migrated to the State. While in California, Karen was re-energized by new hobbies such as bicycle riding, camping, fishing, and kayaking, while continuing to enjoy her earlier love of crafts, gardening, animal care, and cooking. Karen and Hi frequently drove across America in their Airstream, enjoying everything from tours of our incredible national parks to weekend fishing trips, including Del Valle Regional Park, one of Karen’s favorites. Karen also served as a docent at the Oakland Zoo for 15 years and, for a while, as Sales director for a children’s books and toys company.

Karen loved her time at the zoo. She would light up when discussing the animals with so much love in her heart. She was also an incredible painter and self-taught artist, with each piece reflecting her inner spirit and love for all things natural and beautiful. In looking at her work, you can truly feel her heart and soul embedded in each brushstroke that she made.

Karen leaves behind her incredible spirit, leadership, love, determination, and focus on family for all of her children and grandchildren. She will be missed by her family and everyone else that she touched. She is leaving a permanent, positive glow and spirit for everyone she touched; her love and spirit will never be forgotten.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 19, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with a funeral service beginning at 12:00 PM, all held at the Henry M. Malburg Funeral Home.