Karen Rose Gallo, 69, recently of Marlinton, West Virginia peacefully passed away Sunday, December 29, 2024 at her home. She was surrounded by loved ones while on hospice.

She was born October 8, 1955 in Morgantown, West Virginia and was the daughter of the late Joseph Samuel Gallo and Phyllis Ruth (Kelly) Gallo. She lived in the Weirton, West Virginia area for over 35 years.

She worked as a cardiac nurse for several years.  After her nursing career, she furthered her education by becoming an accountant for some time.  She was able to express her artistic abilities as a co-owner of an arts and crafts store, Mystic Mountain Crafts, with her former husband, Keith Kruger. She was Catholic by faith.

She loved our country, flag, and veterans.  She had a lifetime membership with the VFW and for many years held an officers position of the Ladies Auxiliary in VFW Post 2716. She dedicated her time to help both the veterans and their familes in many ways by raising funds for the VFW, attending national conventions to get ideas to help from other states, and attending the WV summer youth camp in Kingwood, WV.  She was also a member of the Military Order of the Cootie.

This past year she helped the Pocahontas County High School athletics department by donating both her time and artistic ability by supplying them with items for them to raise money to help out the local youth in Marlinton.

Karen didn't know a stranger.  She made friends anywhere she went.  She would light up the room with her smile and make others laugh around her with her contagious laugh.  She was a very social butterfly before her last stent of medical issues.  She knew how to make people feel welcomed.

Surviving are -

Two daughters -

Bridget Koerber (Fred) of Marlinton

Katie Smith (Brad) of Newell, WV

One son -

John Paul ("J.P.") Peterson, III of Lower Burrell, PA

Two sisters -

Eva Gallo of Lake Lynn, PA

Jennifer Winn (Mark) of Virginia Beach, VA

Three brothers -

Guy Gallo (Laurie) of Gahanna, OH

Mike Gallo (Renee) of Laurinburg, NC

Jason Gallo of Gulfport, MS

Eleven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren and on the way.

Her body has been cremated and the family will commemorate her life privately.