Karen Olani (Meyer) Anderson

Karen Olani Meyer Anderson passed away peacefully at her home in Carlisle, Kentucky, on Friday, June 13, 2025, one day prior to her 78th birthday. “Ms. Karen,” as she was affectionately called  by most who knew her, was born in Ho'olehua, Molokai, Hawaii. She attended Kaunakakai Elementary School on Molokai and later, Central Intermediate and graduated from McKinley High School in Honolulu, Oahu. 

Ms. Karen worked at a variety of companies both in Hawaii and Kentucky, where she moved in 1967, including being a bank teller in Honolulu and a salesperson at Fort Ruger in Waikiki. Most  new her from her many years working at Small’s Greenhouse, The Deposit Bank of Carlisle (later known as Farmers Bank), and Forest Retreat in Carlisle, KY. She also worked as a florist for many other businesses: Smits Florist & Greenhouse, Wildwood Florist, Lawrence Florist, and A New Leaf. In addition, she ran her own florist business, Andy & Company, providing flower arrangements and decorations to those in the community and surrounding areas. Often when Ms. Karen is mentioned, people immediately recognize her for the beautiful wedding florals she created for them. She valued, appreciated and loved all her customers. Ms. Karen’s kindness and gentleness were known to all who had the good fortune to know her. She selflessly made and took meals, desserts, flower arrangements, wreaths, bows and other crafts to people in the community who needed to receive an act of kindness. She also happily dedicated her time to seasonally decorate the windows of the Carlisle Drug Store. Her greatest interests were making flower arrangements, collecting seashells, cooking, working outdoors, hunting, and spending time with her family and  friends. As a youth in Hawaii, she enjoyed participating in the 4-H Beef Steer Program. Ms. Karen loved cows, turtles, birds, the ocean, her native state of Hawaii and her Kentucky home. Above all, she was very proud of her family and her Hawaiian heritage.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Henry R. Meyer, Sr. and Ivy Meyer of Kapuaokoolau, Molokai; a special aunt, Hannah Meyer (for whom Ms. Karen received her childhood nickname of “Little Hannah”); two brothers: Teddy Meyer and Wayne Meyer; and two sisters: Lynn (Jim) Yamaguchi and Wendy (Loke) Kekahuna; one brother-in-law, Charles Keliikipi; and the father of her  children, William G.P. (Billy) Anderson.

She is survived by her two brothers: Henry R. (Hilda) Meyer, Jr. of Georgia, and Timmy (Donna) Meyer of Molokai; two sisters: Noelani Keliikipi of Molokai, and Karleen Meyer of Kauai; one  daughter, Tammy (Danny) VanHook of Carlisle; two sons: Derek (Regina) Anderson of Paris, and Brian (Aubrey) Anderson of Cynthiana; 8 grandsons: Quentin Mitchell (Kayla Garrison), Samuel VanHook, Oliver, Silas, Oxley, Lucas, Finley, and Walter Anderson; and two great-grandchildren: Audrey Mitchell and Audrey’s brother, Brayden Garrison; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition, she is survived by Carrie Jean, Sam (Clarine), and Raymond Anderson, all who remained dear to her.

On behalf of their mother, Tammy, Derek, and Brian would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Todd Reinhart of Georgetown, KY, for the devotion and compassionate care he provided to her. Also, the family would like to thank a very special friend (and bonus daughter), Chassey Cobb, for her unending visits, at all hours of the day and night, to assist Ms. Karen.

Two memorial services will be held, one in Carlisle, KY on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at Mathers-Gaunce Funeral Home (105 S. Locust Street, Carlisle, KY). Visitation will be from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m., with a memorial service to follow at 4:00 p.m., officiated by Rev. Steve Smith and Rev. Kyle Burnette. At a later date, the second memorial service and inurnment will be held at R.W. Meyer Cemetery in Kala’e, Molokai, Hawaii.

There will be a meal for family and friends at the Carlisle United Methodist Church following the service. Anyone wishing to donate food may deliver it to the Church after 11:00 a.m. on the day of the service, June 21, 2025.

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