Karis M. Poyner-Martin, age 43 passed away in Las Vegas, NV on Friday, August 22, 2008.

She was born on December 30, 1964 in Bellingham, WA to Riley and Kathleen Poyner. Karis graduated from Mt. Vernon High School in 1982. She became a Merchant Marine while working on cruise lines in Hawaii. Karis met her husband, Bill Martin there, and later relocated to Las Vegas where she lived until her passing.

Karis was preceded in death by her mother, Kathleen; grandparents, Gordon and Muriel Poyner, who played an important role in her life and Frank and Evabelle Cole.

Karis enjoyed the company of her special friend, Stephen Tauls and her foster daughter, Rhonda. She loved cats and most sporting events and was known for her contagious, boisterous laughter.

Karis is survived by her father, Riley and wife, Esther Poyner; sisters, Tami (Rich) Pickering and Heather (Mark) Poyner-Holcroft; nephews, Austin, Riley, and Ricky; and her niece, Atlanta.

She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, September 8, 2008 at 12:00 PM at Greenacres Memorial Park, Ferndale, WA.