Karen Jean Franklin, age 60, of South Bend, went home to be with the Lord at 6:00 am Wednesday, January 22, 2014. Karen was born January 6, 1954 in Mishawaka, Indiana to Noah and Darus (Nolen) Franklin. After high school graduation, she went on to study at IUSB in South Bend, and later worked for many years as a substitute teacher for grades K-12 at Granger Christian School. She loved to teach and writing Chapels for the children.
Surviving are her daughters Rachel (David) Meckley of Morenci, MI, Emily (Michael) Toole of South Bend, and Kate (Steven) Shultz of Elkhart. She is also survived by her mother, Darus Franklin of South Bend, a brother Nathan (Wanda) Franklin of Osceola, and her sisters Renee (Michael) Thompson and Mary Franklin, both of South Bend. Also surviving is her granddaughter Ava Karen Toole, and 4 other grandchildren. Karen was preceded in death by her father Noah Franklin in 2005.
Visitation will be held from 5-7 pm Saturday, January 25, 2014 at Grace Church, 52025 Gumwood Road, Granger, Indiana 46530. Funeral services will be at 2pm Sunday, January 26, 2014 at Grace Church, with interment to follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Chapel Hill Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
Karen was an active member of Grace Church in Granger. She taught Sunday School for many years, loved to cook meals for her family, was very creative, and enjoyed making crafts. She had also spent time as a Girl Scout Leader several years ago.
Karen will be remembered as a wonderful and Godly woman who inspired many through her love for Christ and others. She maintained a positive attitude throughout her illness and will be greatly missed.
In her memory, donations may be made to Grace Church.