Mercedes M. Karr

Mercedes M. Karr died peacefully at her home in Pinedale, Navajo County, Arizona on Thursday, November 15, 2012 following a lengthy illness. She was 70 years old. Mercy, as she was affectionately known, was born on October 17, 1942 in La Reforma, Sonora, Mexico to the late Nepomuceno and Belia (Ramirez) Moreno. Mercy moved from her native Mexico 50 years ago to California where she lived for 2 years before moving to Arizona. On May 3, 1978 Mercy married the love of her life, Frederick Alan Karr, in Fountain Hills, Arizona. Just as they said "I do," the fountain at the community's center began to erupt. The couple most recently celebrated their 34th wedding anniversary together. Mercy worked hard throughout her life and worked for some time as a laundry supervisor at Thunderbird Academy. She also worked as a live-in nanny for many years. She loved children and found a great deal of joy as she was able to provide a safe and loving environment for others' kids. Mercy was a true Christian and lived to serve the needs of others. She was always willing to help them with whatever they needed and did so with a loving caring heart and a beautiful smile. She knew that when she was in the service of her fellowman she was only in the service of God. Throughout her marriage to Fred, she was able to help with the building of at least 15 churches, most of which are located in Mexico; 3 orphanages (1 in Bolivia and 2 in Baja, Mexico); and a school, also located in Mexico. Mercy's heart was in medical missionary work and thousands were at the receiving end of her gentle touch. Mercy also was quite gifted and talented with her hands. She was an amateur artist and loved to paint pictures. Many of her paintings are now considered treasures by her family and friends as dozens of her masterpieces now adorn the walls of their homes. She also enjoyed sewing and cooking. Perhaps, the greatest joy in her spare time came from teaching others the art of cooking. She was famous for her culinary skills and everyone within her circle of family and friends could attest to that fact. This incredibly beautiful lady will be missed by everyone whom has had the privilege to know and love her. Mercedes M. Karr is survived by her husband, Fred Karr of Pinedale, Arizona; 1 daughter, Christy (Casey) Campbell of Nevada; 2 brothers: Armando (Leonor Ortiz) Moreno of Hermasillo, Mexico, Luis (Karin) Moreno of Chandler, Arizona; 3 sisters: Ana Suvieri of Cave Creek, Arizona, Rosa Lilia "Rosie" (Dan) Conway of Prescott, Arizona, Blanca Moreno of Caborca, Sonora, Mexico; 4 grandchildren: Sky Marie, Jake, Alec, Zoey and is also survived by several nieces and nephews. A special memorial service for Mercy will begin 11:00 A.M., Friday, November 23, 2012 at the Thunderbird Adventist Academy Church, 7410 E. Sutton Drive in Scottsdale, Arizona. The concluding service and inurnment will begin promptly at 1:00 P.M. at The National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona located on the southeast corner of Cave Creek and Pinnacle Peak Roads.