Karen F. Bettcher

Karen Francis Bettcher, age 76, of Lakeville, Indiana passed away peacefully Saturday, morning, surrounded by her family. She was born on August 4, 1942 in Mishawaka, Indiana to Bessie (Brothers) and Leroy Basham, both of whom proceeded her in death. On October 18, 1958 she married the one and only love of her life, Dennis Earl Bettcher, who proceeded her in death in 2001. In going home, Karen will also be united with her baby brother, Wayne Basham and grandson, Blayne Bettcher.

In passing, she leaves behind a devoted, caring family of six children and their spouses, Tonya and Chic Stanley, Dennis (Bud) and Sue Bettcher, Mike and Patti Bettcher, Rodney and Cindy Bettcher, Dawn and Sidney Myrick, and James and Erica Bettcher, all of Lakeville,  20 grandchildren; Chad (Jen) Stanley, Tara (Jason) Menting, Kendra (Shawn) Hicks, Charla Stanley, Becka (Ryan) Stanley, Dana Stanley, Dennis (Alisha) Bettcher, Brandon Bettcher, Kelsey Bettcher, Katlyn Bettcher, James Bettcher, Rachael (Dan) Nimtz, Michael (Cara) Bettcher, Aaron Bettcher, Evan Bettcher, Rodney (Emily) Bettcher, Ryan (Josie) Bettcher, Michaela (Jordan) Bettcher, Colton Bettcher, and Addison Bettcher; 24 great- grandchildren Nehemiah, Johanna, Cassidy, Quinn, Auston, Alex, Aubrey, Meghan, Mackenzie, Kailey, Kope, Ava, Ali, Axl, Grace, Isaiah, Hope, Mihayla, Braxton, Eleanor, Elias, Emmett, Finnley, Nolan; a sister Sherry (Ed) Stump of South Bend; a very special cousin, Kathy Jo Maher; and by numerous extended family members and friends. She was soon to be blessed with two additional great grandchildren.

Karen attended Lakeville High School and resided in Lakeville most of her life. She worked for many years at the Riley Road Clinic before working at Bettcher’s US Truck and Trailer as the office manager. She attended Cornerstone Community Fellowship Church and was previously active in the Lakeville Lions Club and Lakeville Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary.

Karen was a loving devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. Her love for football was unmistakable. She was known as “Mama Bettcher” to many football players from high school to college to the NFL. She was a stranger to none and a big-hearted mom to many. No one ever left her house hungry as she took joy in cooking for all including many football players. Her determination and feisty demeanor in the face of failing health has been an inspiration to each of her family members. Karen showed us all how to overcome any obstacle with poise and fortitude.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, August 12, 2018, at the Palmer Community Complex in Lakeville with Pastor Steven D. Cox officiating. Graveside services and burial will follow at Fair Cemetery, North Liberty, Ind. The family will receive friends from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, August 11 at the Palmer Community Complex, 601 N Michigan Street, Lakeville, Memorial contributions in memory of Karen Bettcher may be made to the Union North Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 510, 507 Michigan Trail, Lakeville IN, 46536. Palmer Funeral Home – Guisinger Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

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