- Date Of Birth: April 18, 1943
- Date Of Death: December 19, 2015
- State: Indiana
Karen Sue Key, age 72, died peacefully in her home after a long battle with cancer.
Born in Marion, Indiana at Marion General Hospital in April 1943 to caring and loving parents, Frank and Martha Kimes, Karen Key lived in Grant County her entire life, leaving only to attend college. She grew up with one brother, Richard Kimes. In 1967, she married Jay Key, and the couple was later blessed with their daughter, Lisa Key. Karen attended Roosevelt Grade School and graduated from Van Buren High School in 1961. She attended the International Business College and graduated with an associates degree in Accounting. She was employed at Anaconda Wire and Cable for 21 years as manager of information systems before moving to STAR Financial Systems for 19 years as programming manager, programming and technical support manager and special projects manager.
Her life was marked by a love of family, friends and faith and she was a longtime volunteer who shared freely of her time and talents. Her family was her priority, and she kept in close contact with her daughter, nieces and great-nephew through cards, letters, calls, and daily texts. She grew up surrounded by her family with grandparents living next door and other family close by, and she strived to give that same sense of closeness to her family on a daily basis. She cherished the holidays and grew up with parents who made sure to gather the family together at those times. Karen was also a loyal friend. When she moved from a small, one-room, schoolhouse to the larger Van Buren High School, she was nervous about making new friends. Little did she know that she would make lifelong friends while in high school. Her core group of high school friends enjoyed so many good times together over the years, and even celebrated their high school reunions by organizing celebrations and a float in the Van Buren Popcorn Festival parade. Many of these same friends were by her side in her final days. Her list of volunteer activities was lengthy. She was a long-time mentor through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program and was still active in the lives of the children she mentored who are now adults. After retirement, she became more involved in her community, supporting those in need. She was involved in the YWCA, serving on the board and as Board President.
She was involved with the Fairmount Town and Country Garden Club and loved working on their annual Garden Walk events. She also was the immediate Past President of Marion General Hospital Auxiliary Board, where she spent many hours volunteering in their gift shop and finding ways for volunteers to do meaningful work. She relished her time spent volunteering and made many new friends through these activities. It was her faith that kept her centered throughout her life and especially during her illness. For many years, she was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Gas City and then, more recently, was an active member of St. James Lutheran Church and School in Marion. It was there that she was active in Womens Ministry, a volunteer for childrens activities, and an aide for Vacation Bible School every year. With her many friends at church, she organized fundraising events, special services and many other activities to raise funds to benefit programs of the Church and Grant County. She always treasured her church family and greatly appreciated their cards and letters sent during her illness. She leaves behind her husband of 48 years, Jay Key, their daughter, Lisa Key, son-in-law Kevin Lint, and granddaughter, Samantha Lint as well as her brother, Richard Kimes (Roxie), nieces Kathi Baker (Rick) and Kristi Harrold (Christian) and her great-nephew Evan Baker.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Martha Kimes and close family friends Geraldine and Al Lusher.
