Karen A. Ovaska, 65, of Lake Rd., Ironwood Township, died unexpectedly Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2012, in Ironwood, surrounded by her loving family, following a brief illness.      The former Karen Lombardo was born June 30, 1946, in Ironwood, daughter of the late John and Katherine (Berglund) Lombardo, attended Norrie Elementary School, and graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1964. She then worked as a clerk at Sher's Grocery Store in Ironwood and as a secretary at Sleight School.      On Jan. 2, 1965, She married Gary B. Ovaska at Wesley United Methodist Church in Ironwood. Together, they raised three children.      Returning to the work force, Karen worked at Vertin's in downtown Ironwood, then was employed by the Ironwood Area School District as a lunch server at Sleight School for 20 years, retiring in June 2008.      She was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Ironwood, the Michigan Education Association and the Class of 1964 Reunion Committee. One of her favorite activities was girl's night out at the Bell Chalet in Hurley on the first Thursday of every month. She enjoyed flower gardening, and loved her home and her cats, Fuzz and Ziggy. Her passion in her life was her children and grandchildren.      Surviving are her husband, Gary, of 47 years; two sons, Gary John (JerriAnne), Arpin, Wis., and Shannon (Heather), Schofield, Wis.; a daughter, Melanie (John) Janakas, Gunnison, Colo.; six grandchildren, Gunnar, Paige, Mikayla, Cassidy, Katie and Sawyer; mother-in-law, Lorraine D. Johnson, Hurley; sister-in-law, Diana (Pat) Dalberg, Austin, Texas; nephew, Christian Allmendinger, Houston, Texas; niece, Jessica Allmendinger, Seattle, Wash.; great-niece, Jade Allmendinger, Houston, Texas; beloved cousins, Larry (Wendy), Jim (Jean), and Skip (Luanne) Lombardo; and special friends, Jan Olson, Paulette Rickard, and Sharon Lyons.      Besides her parents, Karen was preceded in death by beloved cousin, Ronnie (Beverly) Lombardo, on May 19, 2000.      In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place.      Relatives and friends may call from 9:30  to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14, at Wesley United Methodist Church in Ironwood, where memorial services will be held at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Peter Bartlett officiating.         Committal will take place at the church, with luncheon to follow in the church fellowship hall.      Spring inurnment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Ironwood.      To view Karen's obituary online, sign her guestbook and offer condolences, visit mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.      Arrangements are entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood.