Karen W. Baty

Karen Walker Baty, age 80, beloved mother, grandmother and wife, passed away on April 9 at the Kingston Residence of Sylvania, Ohio. Karen was born on December 31, 1937 in Columbus, Ohio, the daughter of Paul and Christine Walker. A graduate of the Columbus School of Girls (CSG) and Bexley High School, she attended the University of Michigan and then went on to graduate Cum Laude from Ohio State University in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. In 1980, Karen earned her Master’s in Education degree from The University of Toledo and in 1990 received a Master’s in Community and Agency Counseling degree from the University of Toledo. Karen was a devoted teacher, tutor, and counselor for more than 30 years in the Toledo area where she worked in many school districts including Ottawa Hills, St Ursula Academy, and other Lucas County Schools. She served on the American Council of Learning Disabilities and received a Learning Disability and Severe Behavior Handicap Certification from the University of Toledo. In addition, Karen was a Certified Prevention Specialist credentialed by the Ohio Credentialing Board for Chemical Dependency professionals. She served as a teacher/counselor at both St. Vincent’s Chemical Dependency Unit and at Tennyson Center. She later held the position of Coordinator for Prevention and Intervention Programming for Lucas Country Schools, and then as Lead Teacher with treatment teams at Charter Behavioral Health Systems. Karen served on the Board of the Wood County Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services. She presented more than 125 workshops on substance abuse and related issues in counties across Ohio. Karen was most proud of her work designing drug prevention programs with educators in the districts. Following her retirement from counseling and teaching, Karen cherished her time as a grandmother. She was also a dedicated volunteer at the Toledo Museum of Art where she served as a docent and tour guide and enjoyed a second career in art. In her retirement, Karen enjoyed traveling with her husband George, and walking in Wildwood and Crosby Gardens in Toledo. She was also an avid reader and book club member for many years. Karen is survived by her husband of 31 years, George Baty, and daughters Lauren (William) Cedoz of Toledo, Ohio; Kristin (Garry) McKenney Monkman of Wauconda, Illinois; grandson Bailey Cedoz, granddaughter Claire Monkman and grandson Ryan Monkman; Corey Smidi (Amer) and their children Yousef, Layla and Samera; Jeremiah Cedoz (Keri- Ann) and their children Kingston and Aiden; Andrew Cedoz (Ashley) and their children Colton and Cameron; Mike Baty (Lisa), and their children Adam, Jenny, Erin and Zach; Barbie Spieth (George) and children Joey Tipton, Bradley Tipton, Davey James Tipton (deceased); Anne Marie Jackson (Robert); and Dennis Walker. The family wishes to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude to Ohio Living Hospice, The Grove at Oakleaf Village in Toledo, and to the Residences of Kingston in Sylvania Ohio, as well as special thank you to Shenese, Lydia and Penny for their Love, care and support. Visitation will be held from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 14 at Epworth United Methodist Church, (4855 W. Central Ave., Toledo, Ohio) followed by a Memorial Service in the Church Chapel at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) or Ohio Living Hospice (Reynolds Rd) are greatly appreciated. Online condolences can be shared at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.