Karen Kay Roberts, 81, passed away Wednesday morning, March 20, 2024, at River Terrace Retirement Community following an extended illness.
Karen was born in Wells County on April 20, 1942, to Merlin K. and Alice Elene (Martin) Bender; both parents preceded her in death. Karen married L. Kay Roberts at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Uniondale on July 23, 1960; he preceded her in death on March 28, 2013. She was a 1960 graduate of Rock Creek High School and a member of Murray Missionary Church and Red Hatters Club. Karen was a homemaker and retired after 25 years from Rock Creek and Northern Wells Schools.
She enjoyed golf trips and gardening. Karen became a World Traveler, traveling to Alaska, Africa, Bahamas, Haiti, Jamaica, Cozumel, Ireland, UK, Scotland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and France. Karen enjoyed spending winters in Orange Beach with family and friends.
Survivors include three children, Kerry (Laura) Roberts of Bluffton, Kirk (Suzy) Roberts of Ossian, and Kelli (Brian) Reifel of Westfield, Ind.; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents and husband of 52 years, she was preceded in death by a brother, Gerry Bender and a sister, Regina Daugherty.
Visitation will be from 2-7 p.m. on Monday, March 25, 2024, at Goodwin – Cale & Harnish Memorial Chapel in Bluffton. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at Murray Missionary Church, with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Pastor Mike Gilbert will officiate. Burial will follow at Markle Cemetery.
Memorials can be made in Karen’s memory to Stillwater Hospice of Ft. Wayne, IN.
Online condolences can be made at
www.goodwincaleharnish.com.