Gay (Blanchard) Karnes, age 63, of Lake Clear, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 12, 2021, at the Albany Medical Center.
Born in Saranac Lake on April 10, 1958, she was the daughter of Archie Blanchard Jr. and Wilma Jean Wenner Hill. She married Harold (Joe) Karnes on July 13, 1985.
Gay worked as a playground monitor at Bloomingdale Elementary School, where she became a mom to so many kids. She then went to work for the Village of Saranac Lake Public Works Department until her retirement. After her retirement she worked part-time at Hyde Mobil, where she became even more known throughout our community. Her signature saying, “Hi Honey,” was the highlight of everyone’s morning.
She is survived by her father Archie and stepmom Patricia Blanchard Jr., husband Harold “Joe” Karnes and two daughters Misty (Travis) Minnie and Karyn Karnes (Corey Brown). She is also survived by her greatest treasures, her seven grandchildren: William, Lucas, Hailey, Kiara, Cassandra, Cadin and Austin; her brother Harold Blanchard (Erin Mitchell); and sisters Joanne Blanchard, Jean Blanchard, Christina Blanchard (Billy Stamper) and Kimberly (Dave) Rascoe. She is also survived by her step-siblings Meissa Barry and Ralph (Bunker) Hill, many nieces, nephews and cousins, and countless friends. She was predeceased by her brother Archie Blanchard III, mother Wilma Jean Wenner Hill and niece Harley Rascoe.
Calling hours will take place at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, April 19. A graveside service will take place at the convenience of the family at St. John’s Cemetery in Lake Clear.
Family and friends wishing to remember Gay are asked to make memorial contributions to the Saranac Lake Volunteer Rescue Squad in care of the funeral home. Family and friends can also share their condolences, and memories at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.
