I can't remember a time in my childhood when Karen (Ronni) wasn't there.  She considered my mom a "second mother," and our families were very close; I always called her parents "aunt and uncle," and I'd always call her my cousin.   For her birthday, my mom would often make Karen's favorite dinner, stuffed pork chops, and the dessert of the birthday girl's choice.  Sometimes we'd go to "The City"  (SF) to a fancy restaurant for Karen's birthday.  She liked nice things, fancy things...like chic restaurants and girly things like going to tea.  Anytime I see something in a shop that's lovely, fancy, and/or girly, and it includes the color lavender, I always say, "My 'cousin' Karen would've really liked that."  She was truly family; she was always there if I needed her.  I miss her.

     The loss of Karen "Ronni"  Moss is huge.  She was a big part of my life growing up and sporadically over my adult years.   I have known Karen since I was seven, 61 years ago, before she was "Ronni."  Her parents, Marge and Paul, were family friends of my parents; both of our dads were pilots.  I grew up calling them "Aunt and Uncle," Karen was always, my "cousin," and I still consider her as such.  My mom and I ate dinner at their house every week and every major holiday was spent with them.  We would often go to "The City," all of us as a family, for birthdays to elegant restaurants, to buy Gardenia corsages at the street flower carts,  and especially to look at the beautiful Christmas  decorations in Union Square! The incredible window scenes were a highlight! Karen loved Christmas.  Our favorite Christmas stop in The City was the City of Paris (now Nordstom's) department store as their Christmas tree went several stories high straight up through the center of the store!  Karen would always get her croissants there; it was the only place you could find them back then.  She also loved the elegance of Allied Arts in Palo Alto especially at Christmastime.  Karen loved elegance.  Remember her living room??! 

      Since she was nine years older than me, my mom often called on Karen for babysitting duties.  I remember when she met her handsome boyfriend, Karl, and when she adopted the name, "Ronni."  After their marriage, Karen and I would bake goodies to send to Karl in Viet Nam.  She was always trying to find new, more effective ways to keep the bugs out as the packages went on their journey overseas!  I'll always remember her lavender bedroom; she loved lavender.  I helped her paint the furniture for the nursery of her first-born, "Danny," as I still call him  (strictly out of habit-sorry!), and I remember spending an especially memorable New Years Eve with her when she was pregnant, and Karl was still deployed in Viet Nam.  We wore newspaper hats and  drank 7-Up out of fancy glasses with Playboy stirrers!  We always had fun.  Karen and Karl's families were both huge parts of my life.  We would all get together for our annual New Brighton Beach barbecue/picnic and assorted holidays and simply had a blast! I could go on and on!       

     My sister, LaRayne "Eddy,"  I believe, is the only other person left who has known Karen longer than I.  She has known her for 68 years!  They were childhood friends in Chicago back when they were both nine years old!  I know during the past few years my sister would take Karen for her weekly hair appointment and often grocery shopping.  Karen always had great hair and nails, didn't she?!  Their day always ended with a nice lunch.  Besides their childhood, they had fun things in common like movies with Victorian settings, an interest in period costume and design, a strong love of animals and good food!  Aside from me and my sister, Karen called my mom her "second mother,"  and I will always love and remember Karen as my "cousin,"  and cherish the decades of wonderful memories we have.  We also share a great love of animals, so my family has made a donation to Horse Plus Humane Society in her name and memory.  This is hard and weird.  Karen has always been a part of my life; she's always been there, and I will miss her deeply.

Dear Moss Family,

We were so sorry to hear of Ronni’s passing. She was a very dear and wonderful friend for many years. She will be missed. Unfortunately, we will miss the celebration of her life because we are currently in San Luis Obispo. Know that we will be there in our hearts. Please accept our most sincere condolences. 

               Love,

Janet and Darrel Lary

My condolences to Ronni's family. I first met Ronni when her husband Karl started working with my ex-husband in Chico at Pacific Bell Telephone and we would often get together, especially in the summer at their home, swimming and belly flop contests with her sons.  Both Ronni and Karl became our children's godparents.  Ronni was the kindest and most loving woman.  Our children looked forward to Halloween at their home.  We were so blessed to have Ronnie and Karl as part of our family.  Ronnie was so proud of her 2 sons and her granddaughters and took such joy in sharing how proud she was.  Anyone who knew Ronnie is a better person for having known her and the kindness she always gave.  We thank her family for sharing her with the rest of us.  We love you Danny & David.

Wishing you healing and enjoyment of the wonderful memories of your mom.   I loved getting to know your folks, so vibrant and your mom so warm and giving.  Your mom was there for some of our big life milestones and always quick with a greeting card.   I know she just loved her family so much.  Big hugs from your extended family the Rays.