Karen Ann Williams

Karen Ann Williams-Ault, 59, of Benton Harbor, passed away Friday, February 27, 2015 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center after a 10-month battle with cancer. A Celebration of Karen’s Life will be held at 2:00 P.M. until 4 P.M. on Saturday, March 7, 2015 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Road. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Uniting Against Lung Cancer. Those wishing to sign Karen’s Memory Book online may do so at starks-menchinger.com. Karen was born June 1, 1955 to Elaine (Chilo) Williams and Charles Williams. She graduated from Proviso West High School then continued her education at Western Michigan University, graduating with a Bachelors Degree in Occupational Therapy.  She practiced at Chicago Hand and Orthopedic Surgery where she was a highly respected hand therapist.  On September 1, 2011 Karen married Michael Ault in Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands. Karen had a passion for life.  She enjoyed many sports, and had a special love for snow skiing and sailing.  She enjoyed the adventure of travel and had a strong love of nature, especially the beauty of dolphins. Karen was as compassionate as she was passionate.  She was an instructor and swim team coach at the Niles-Buchanan YMCA for many years.   She was a strong and active advocate for the ecology and renewable energy and was an active member of the Sierra club and Nature Conservancy.  Her philanthropic contributions were broad ranged including the Humane Society, Boys & Girls Club, UNICEF, and many others. Karen is survived by her parents, husband, and children Cory (Ann) Molenda and Jenelle Molenda; stepchildren: Heather Ann (David) Jameson and Michael D. Ault, Jr.; Grandchildren: Aaron, Chris, Lauren and Michael Delgado; Great-grandchildren: Cayden, Ava, Caleb and Claire Delgado.  She is also survived by her siblings: Dan (Linda) Williams of Schaumburg, IL, Gayle (Bill) Simmons of Cocoa, Florida and David (Deborah) Williams of Mt. Prospect, IL.