Karen Dawn Garrison Obituary (2025)

Karen Dawn Garrison, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and respected educator, passed away peacefully on October 26, 2025, in Yakima, Washington. She was born on September 15, 1945, to Lowell and Thelma (Collins) Mineard and was raised with her older brother, Gerald, on the family orchard near Okanogan, Washington. Karen cherished her small-town upbringing, spending countless happy days with cousins in Brewster and Chelan. She was active in school activities and graduated from Okanogan High School in 1964. She went on to attend Eastern Washington University, majoring in Home Economics, where she was a cheerleader and proud member of Sponsor Corps. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Education in June 1968. Having known each other for years, Karen married Thomas Garrison that same month, beginning a wonderful journey together that spanned nearly six decades. She accepted her first teaching position with the Yakima School District, spending her first year at Washington Junior High. A year later, she moved to Davis High School to teach Home Economics, where she also led the Drill Team and served as cheer coach. With both Karen and Tom teaching and coaching, life naturally centered around Davis High School and the students they cared for so deeply. In September 1972, Karen and Tom welcomed their son, Greg, who became the joy of their lives. Greg grew up immersed in the Davis community, attending nearly every game and event alongside his parents, and later becoming a Davis graduate himself. In 1984, Karen earned her Master's Degree in Education and soon after became an Assistant Principal at Davis High School. In 1993, she achieved a milestone in local education when she became the first female principal of a Yakima high school, leading Davis High School with integrity, compassion, and high expectations. She served as principal through June 2000, retiring from the Yakima School District after an extraordinary 32-year career. Karen's professional leadership extended well beyond the classroom. She served on numerous nonprofit boards, including Yakima Rotary, People for People, St. Elizabeth Hospital, and the Yakima YMCA. She was also honored to serve as President of the Washington State Principals Association in the late 1990s. Her dedication to students and educators alike was recognized with both the Crystal Apple Award and the Golden Acorn Award. After retiring from public education, Karen continued her passion for learning as Dean of Education at Heritage University, where she served until her full retirement in 2007. Throughout her career, she inspired colleagues, empowered students, and paved the way for future women in educational leadership. In retirement, Karen and Tom traveled the world with friends and family, taking numerous cruises and spending every January in Hawaii--a time they both cherished. She especially loved spending time with her two grandsons, Grant and Brock, who affectionately called her "Nana." Being their Nana was one of the greatest joys of her life. Karen will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, leadership, and unwavering dedication to her family, her students, and her community. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched through her teaching, mentorship, and love. She is survived by her husband, Thomas Garrison; her son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Robin (Smith) Garrison; her grandsons, Grant and Brock Garrison; and her brother, Gerald Mineard. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lowell and Thelma (Collins) Mineard. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Davis High School Commons on Saturday, November 22nd, at 11:00 a.m.