| Graduation Year | Class of 2005 |
| Date of Birth | Jun 14, 1987 |
| Date of Passing | Jan 24, 2015 |
| About | On Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015, our beautiful, generous, and fun-loving daughter, sister, aunt, granddaughter, niece, cousin and loving friend, Kari Anne Way, went to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in heaven. Born on June 14, 1987, and raised in Charlevoix, Kari was a 2005 graduate of Charlevoix High School. She spent her high school years as a fierce competitor on the volleyball and basketball courts. Her love for the community extended beyond her athleticism when she was crowned the 2005 Miss Charlevoix Venetian Queen. Kari’s vibrant personality as a dockhand at the Charlevoix City Marina from 2004-2008 made all who visited feel like a welcomed guest in the hometown she loved. She was an integral asset of the growth of the marina because of her ambassadorial admiration of Charlevoix the Beautiful. Family was the most important part of Kari’s life, along with her deeply rooted Christian faith. Kari treasured her parents and was taught at an early age to serve and follow Jesus. As the second of five daughters (Katie, Kari, Kim, Kandis and Kelsey), she was lovingly referred to as KWay2. Kari shared an incredible bond with each of them that will last “always and forever.” The family of seven enjoyed spending time together at Way Bay with the rest of the Way clan, boating on Salty Pepper around Northern Michigan, having fun wrestling around the house, and picking raspberries and playing on the tire swing with their cousins at Gram’s house in Howell, Mich. Fond memories also include their yearly vacations to Sanlan Ranch in Lakeland, Fla., where they could be found baking in the sun and “chasing” alligators on the mopeds with Grandpa Dawson and Grandma Joann. amily gatherings, with immediate and distant relations, were among her best memories. Kari could always be found cuddling babies and young children, especially her nieces Sophie, 4, Mackenzie, 2, and Adalynn, 1; she greatly treasured her time with them, and the rest of her family. Kari also adored animals, especially her beloved yellow Lab, Emma, 10. Demonstrating their compassion and displaying their love for the Lord, Kari and her cousin, Jon Boss, went on a mission trip to tsunami-stricken Sri Lanka to help build an orphanage. All who were acquainted with and loved Kari admired her generous spirit and were touched by her outpouring love for others. Kari attended Grand Valley State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Health Professions in 2009. She had a vivacious personality that touched the hearts of all she met, making her friends become like family. During her college years, Kari was a beloved dockhand at the Bay Harbor Lake Marina, where she met David Johnson, chairman of Victor International and developer of Bay Harbor. Upon graduation she was employed by Mr. Johnson to aid in the development of Oil Nut Bay in the British Virgin Islands. During her five years traveling between Bay Harbor and Oil Nut Bay, Kari was blessed to have made a home-away-from-home. She was noted for being a dynamic leader, which has had a direct influence in where the BVI development is today. Kari will be deeply missed by the lives touched with her beautiful smile, sense of humor and the love she shared with everyone she met worldwide. Her family prays that she will be remembered for her love for Jesus, her generous heart and zest for life. Because of her compassion for children, the Way family suggests donations be made to F.A.C.E.S (Foster, Adopt, Care, Educate, Support), an orphan care ministry at the Community Reformed Church, 100 Oak St., Charlevoix, MI 49720. Kari is survived by her large and loving family: parents, Barney and Kris (Goff) Way; sister/brother-in-law, Katie (Way) and Paul Glotzhober; nieces Sophie and Mackenzie Glotzhober; sister/brother-in-law, Kim (Way) and Cyril Jones; niece, Adalynn Jones; sisters, Kandis Way and Kelsey Way; paternal grandmother, Joann Way; maternal grandmother, Peggy Goff; 10 aunts and uncles; 28 first cousins; and 18 second cousins. Kari was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Robert Goff (who shared her birthday on Flag Day); and paternal grandfather, Dawson Way. We will celebrate her life, knowing she is rejoicing with Jesus in heaven at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, at the Charlevoix High School Auditorium. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, at Center Point Assembly. The service will be streaming live at www.rayder.net for those who are unable to attend. Share a memory of Kari, or your condolences at www.winchesterfuneralhome.com. |
