Karen Sue Saunders, 80, Carmel, passed away on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at Carmel Health & Living Community. She was born in Marion, Indiana, on November 16, 1943, to Joseph Howard and Norma (Case) Morrow.
Karen graduated from Marion High School and was a talented seamstress and dedicated homemaker. She worked at Eileen’s Clothing Store & Whitesel’s of Converse. She was a member of Nelson Street Wesleyan Church. She loved cooking, sewing, needle crafts, and making greeting cards. Anyone who received food, clothing, gifts or cards from Karen knew they were getting only the very best. She loved being a mom, a grandmother, and a great-grandmother. She loved God and her church family. She served on the hospitality committee and on the church board at Nelson Street for many years.
Survivors include her step-mother, Nancy (Earl) Helm of Marion; son, Joseph “Marty” (Cathy) Gray of Abilene, TX; daughters, Julie (Jeffery) Maners of Mitchell, Tia Gibson of Swayzee; granddaughters, Amanda Gray, Taylor (Will) Claxton; grandson, Joseph Gibson; great-granddaughter, Keely Claxton; great-grandson, Kohen Claxton; brother, Daniel (Donna) Howard of Sarasota, FL; and sister, Nancy Wiley of Marion.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph G. Howard and Norma J. Morrow.
The family will receive visitors from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Immediately following the time of visitation, a service to celebrate Karen’s life will begin at 1:00 pm with Rev. Don Glenn officiating. Burial will take place at Grant Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association 50 E. 91st St., Ste. 100, Indianapolis, IN 46240.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
