Karen Kay Tanner, 66, of Tavares, Fla., and formerly of Arcadia, Fla., passed away Friday, Feb. 8, 2013, in her home.

She was born Nov. 19, 1946, in Bremen, Ind., and was the daughter of Charles Robert and Frances Marie Guard.

Karen moved to Florida in 1956; she graduated from DeSoto County High School in 1965. She married John M. Tanner on April 30, 1966. In high school, Karen started working for The Shopper, and worked in banking for over 20 years. She went on to co-own and run Mid Lakes Resorts in Tavares. Karen was very devoted to her family and her friends. She loved planning trips and making everyone happy, and seeing that they enjoyed themselves. Karen traveled many places and enjoyed life.

She is survived by her beloved husband, John M. Tanner; daughter, Tara Kay (Bill) Woebse; granddaughter, Kimberly Woebse; grandson, Cody Woebse, all of Tavares; her father, Charles Robert “Bob” Guard; sisters, Susan (Edward) Dazey and Bobbie (Paul) Erickson; brothers, Garry (Mary) Guard and Randy Guard; and several nieces and nephews. Karen was preceded in death by her mother, Frances Marie Guard.

A gathering of friends and relatives to honor and celebrate Karen’s life will be from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013, at the chapel of Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home, 50 N. Hillsborough Ave., Arcadia. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to the American Cancer Society in Karen’s name to: American Cancer Society, Mid-South Division Inc., Attn: Shirley Watters, 1100 Ireland Way, Suite 300, Birmingham, AL 35205. Online condolences may be made at www.pongerkaysgrady.com.

Arrangements are by Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home and Cremation Services.