Karen Beth Church

Karen Beth Church, age 70, died peacefully on January 8, 2026. She was born in LaPorte, IN, on September 28, 1955, to Paul and Ruth Church. In 1972 she moved to Mexico, IN, with her parents. She graduated from North Miami High School, Denver, IN, in 1974. In 2006 she moved to the Lafayette, IN, area, living first in a Wabash Valley assisted apartment – then 10 years at Tippecanoe Villa in West Lafayette, IN – and finally at Creasy Springs in Lafayette from 2018 to the present time.

Karen valued being with her family and with groups of friends. She sang in her church choir for over 30 years, traveled to 48 states, and took cruises, including a visit to the Panama Canal. For many years she sponsored an orphan living in Haiti. She loved cats and horses. She enjoyed singing along to music groups popular in the 60’s and 70’s.

Karen is survived by her sister Paula Watkins of Lafayette, brother Timothy (Cathi) Church of Rolling Prairie, IN, nephews Christopher Church of Las Vegas, NV, Zebulon Watkins (partner Karla) of Fargo, ND, and Noah Watkins of Indianapolis, IN. Also surviving is her niece Melissa (Peter) Jack of LaPorte, and her two great nephews Oliver and Elliott, also of LaPorte.

Preceding her in death are her parents, grandparents, and several aunts and uncles, as well as a niece Jennifer Church.

The family asks that instead of flowers, donations be made to the charity of your choice.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Christ United Methodist Church, 3610 South 18th Street, Lafayette, IN. There will be a visitation from 11:00 AM until the service begins at noon.