Karen Ross McClellon, 63, of Pine Knoll Shores, North Carolina, passed away Friday, October 1, 2021, at Carteret Health Care, Morehead City, North Carolina. Karen was born on October 30, 1957, in Toledo, Ohio, to Jack and Joanne Ross.

Karen was raised in Perrysburg and graduated from Perrysburg High School and then earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Bowling Green State University.

Karen’s professional career was as a special education teacher for a decade at Conneaut Elementary School in Bowling Green. During this time, Karen was selected as a Jennings Scholar. Karen also was a part of starting the Bowling Green Safety Town program, which positively impacted so many young children in the community. Karen left in-class teaching to raise her son, Ross, and then served as a volunteer in schools which Ross attended. Karen then reentered the workplace in positions serving others, including working in a community market, housekeeping and volunteering at a large hospital.

Earlier in life, Karen loved music and singing, having performed in school and church choirs, and theater, as well as being the lead singer in a soft rock band. Later, Karen loved being a homemaker, cooking and took pride in always making a warm and welcoming home in the many cities she and her family lived.

Having lived in six states since leaving Perrysburg, Karen returns home to her favorite place on earth. A private memorial service for family and lifelong friends will be held Saturday, November 6, at Ft. Meigs Cemetery.

Karen is survived by her husband of 36 years, Robert; son, Ross McClellon of Seattle, Washington, and brothers, Dave (Tamara) Ross of Rockford, Illinois, and Steve (Barb) Ross of Cincinnati, Ohio, as well as six nieces and a nephew. Karen is preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Joanne Ross of Perrysburg.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38005.

Arrangements are by Noe-Brooks Funeral Home, Morehead City. Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at noebrooks.net.