It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a cherished individual whose presence touched the lives of so many across the country. Karen Kay (Arnett) Ginther was born in Chillicothe Ohio on September 4, 1965, and passed to a better life on April 10, 2026 after a long and very courageous battle with Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. Karen passed peacefully by her terms, in her home, in Knoxville Tennessee while holding her husband Ricks hand and while listening to her favorite group Matchbox Twenty.
Karen was born on September 4th, 1965, in Chillicothe, Ohio to Sandy (Arnett) Monroe and Ted Evans. Karen was adopted by her Grandparents Orville and Theo Arnett which she referred to as Mom and Dad. Karen was united in marriage to Richard (Rick) Ginther.
Surviving are two brothers Gary (Penny) Arnett and Larry “Bo” (Val) Arnett and two sisters Sandy (Thomas) Monroe and Patsy (Brian Leffler) Knight, and sister-in-law Rita Arnett, father and mother-in-law’s Richard and Betty Ginther and Carol Ginther and two step children Ashley (Ryan) Newman and Brock (Katie) Ginther and step grandchildren Paityn Newman, Harper Newman, Landon Newman, and Marigold Ginther. Karen leaves behind her “kids” Desi, Chloe, and Midnight. Karen had numerous aunts and uncles, brothers and sisters, numerous nieces and nephews, and cousins from the Arnett’s, Evans and Ginther families. Karen was especially close with her nieces Jodi Arnett and Shelly Braden which she shared many memorable adventures with throughout her life. She was proceeded in death by her parents Orville and Theo Arnett and by her brother Tom Arnett.
Karen was a graduate of Waverly High School in 1983 and immediately entered the work force first at Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant (PORTS) until the cessation of the Centrifuge project, then Pioneer Electronics for 19 years, then returned to the PORTS site until 2015. In 2015 Karen and Rick left for Idaho to work on the Idaho National Laboratory site. Karen accepted a role as the General Manager for a small women owned business supporting the entire DOE Complex. Karen and Rick relocated back to Knoxville Tennessee where Karen started her own small business named “Something Magical and Mystical” where she created one-of-a-kind gifts, jewelry, resin art, and spiritual gifts while also becoming a Reiki Master. Once diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer Karen made it her mission to learn about any and all treatment methods for a cure. She would not accept traditional treatments as her only options. Karen became well known for Integrative Oncology methods. She supplemented her treatment plans by utilizing hyperbaric chambers, frequency therapy, acupuncture, sound therapy, vitamin infusions, and a specific diet related to her strain. These non-traditional methods extended her life for years. Karen’s dream was to eradicate her cancer then open an Integrative Oncology business in her hometown of Waverly Ohio.
The family wants to express their gratitude to the United Energy Workers (Clinch River) for providing 24/7 nursing care, and also Shannon Schwartz who was her angel and Home Care assistant for months.
Karen was known for her wit, her style, kindness, generosity, and unwavering kind spirit, and that unique laugh and voice that lit up any room or venue. Karen lived her life by her terms while leaving behind a legacy of love, compassion and warmth. Family, friends, and all who had the privilege to know her will fondly remember her unique voice, unique laughter, her wisdom, and the love she deeply shared.
Karen requested cremation to fully eradicate all traces of cancer from her body to be followed by a “Celebration of her Life” to be held on May 1st, 2026, from 6 to 10 PM at the Lake White Club.
In lieu of flowers the family will have numerous of Karen’s handmade items to trade for a monetary donation to Karen’s favorite charities that support the protection and care of all animals.
