Unexpected Tragedy Results in Loss of Longstanding Richland Diner
Kare's Village Diner in Richland has closed after the sudden death of the beloved owner, leaving the more than just an empty building.
A family friend and business associate shared the tragic news on the Kare's Village Diner Facebook page:
I'm writing for the Wilson family as Karen's friend and accountant, Linda...Karen went to be with her Lord and Savior Tuesday, April 30th, with a massive heart attack. I want everyone to know that she loved her Diner, she loved her customers, she loved her family and she died peacefully.
A sorrowful handwritten note has boon posted on the door.
Thoughts and prayers of care and concern flooded in from around the tight-knit Richland community, with many leaving special messages and remembrances on Facebook.
- My condolences to the family. A true loss for the community.
- How sad. I drive by there every day on my way to work. I wondered why it was closed the other day.
- I’m so sorry to hear this. Prayers to her family. She was a very special lady who strived to please people. It will be a great loss to the community
- She reached out to me when my brother passed. She name a breakfast after him. She was a real friend and will be missed by so many.
- Oh no! I love going there and she was always so nice. As believers it is nice to know we’ll meet again. Our prayers and sympathy to the entire family.
- I’ll miss your smile Karen. We first met in Augusta as fellow business owners and you fed me well. I so wish I could have visited you more often in Richland but I know you earned friends and customers wherever you were. Rest In Peace sweet friend I’ll miss your kind loving smile. You fed my stomach as well as my heart.
A "for rent" sign is now staked in the lawn and, who knows, another restaurant may reopen soon, but, clearly, it was Karen's care that made her place so special.