Karen Ann (Scheetz) Kelley

April 10, 1943 - September 1, 2026

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Karen Ann Kelley who passed away at her home on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, after being recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s. She was a sweet but spirited soul who lived life on her own terms. She had so much spunk in that tiny little body of hers.

Born in Canton, Ohio in 1943. Karen Ann Scheetz and her brother, Tom, were raised by mother, Helen Delores, and father, Thomas Wilbur Scheetz in North Canton, OH where Thomas was an engineer. They relocated to Claremont, CA in 1956 where Thomas went to work for General Dynamics. Karen attended high school at Claremont High School and then attended a nursing program at a local community college. She met her first husband, Robert Lattin in high school and they went on to marry after college. They settled in Carlsbad, CA, where they raised their two boys, Wayne Lattin and David Lattin. Favorite activities during that part of their lives were oil painting, going to the beach with the kids and her brother, Tom’s family, boating, and camping with dear friends, Gaye & Ken. Robert and Karen divorced in 1989.

Karen went on to marry Daniel E. Kelley in 1996. Karen and Dan eventually relocated to Borrego Springs in 2003 where they enjoyed desert life and lived out their Golden Years. They spent many years summering near San Luis Obispo as camp hosts at El Capitan State Beach and Refugio State Beach. Dan passed away in 2021. Following Dan’s passing, she emersed herself in Borrego life surrounded by her friends and close community. Karen was an active member of the Art Guild and was a local artist, painting oil paintings that were sometimes featured at local boutiques and Borrego events and making beaded jewelry. She was a social butterfly and always in the midst of group social events in Borrego Springs.

In her later years, she enjoyed spending time playing Mexican Train and lunching with friends. She loved taking drives, lunching at Ram’s Hill and watching America’s Got Talent on Tuesdays with her sweetheart, Gary. Gary said he will especially miss her sweet, infectious laugh. She formed a special bond with her caregiver, Connie, who has been caring for her for the past year and they became close friends.

Karen will be remembered for her spunk, kindness, sweetness, strong spirit and determination, and deep love for her friends and family

She was a great Mother, Grand-mother, Aunt and Friend. She will be lovingly remembered by her two sons, Wayne Lattin, David Lattin, daughters-in-law, Karen Lattin and Valerie Donaldson, grandchildren Ethan Lattin, Grace Lattin and Kelley Moody, brother Tom Scheetz and Sons-in-law Kirk Moody and John Moody and many friends in Borrego and beyond. She was loved and will be missed by all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. 

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