Karen Kay (Wood) Esarey

     Karen K. (Wood) Esarey, 73 was carried away by the love of Jesus and into her eternal reward on Sunday, April 22, 2018 at 1:42 pm. Karen passed away peacefully, holding the hands of her three daughters.
Karen was born Feb 8, 1945 to Alfred and Dortha Wood. She graduated from Wendell L. Wilkie High School in 1963, and resided in the Elwood and Tipton County area her whole life. Karen had several jobs through the years. Among them were, Manga’s Cafeteria, Paint & Assembly Corporation, and Park 100 Foods. Karen was praised by every boss she had for her incredible work ethic, high moral values, and her integrity. She took great pride in being a person that others could trust, in the workplace and in her personal relationships. Others couldn’t help but be drawn to Karen. This was largely because of her transparency. She never wasted time pretending to be someone she wasn’t. She was a vulnerable brave soul in our harsh and cruel world. Karen’s life wasn’t always easy. She certainly had her fair share of heartache and struggle, but through Christ’s refining she was an overcomer every day. Her struggles were her testimony and she shared those with anyone she felt God was calling her to help. Karen often found herself drawn to the younger generation, this was no doubt because she was motherly, encouraging, a good listener and not judgmental. To Karen, no person was more important than another. She wanted everyone to know that they are quite valuable to God!
     Undeniably, Karen had a beautiful heart. Her exterior beauty was equally as impressive. She was humble, but there’s no doubt she was exceptional. Karen had many gifts and talents. Her family and friends enjoyed all of them but one of their favorites was her gift of song. What a beautiful voice she had! As a child, Karen enjoyed singing with her sister, while their mother accompanied them with piano. As an adult, Karen continued to sing with the accompaniment of her mother. The two of them made a great team, providing a ministry for many weddings and funerals, as well as being the music leaders of bible school for many years.
     In recent years, since Karen’s retirement, she has created many memories, and strengthened bonds with her children and grandchildren. Worship on Sunday morning at New Hope Community Church in Elwood was time spent with her family each week that she treasured. Karen also loved riding around in the car listening to worship music with her kids. This often-involved Coca-Cola, heartfelt conversation and lots of laughter. Karen had a joy for the Lord that she enthusiastically shared with everyone who crossed her path; her family, friends and even strangers. She will be missed more than words can express.
     Those left to carry on Karen’s legacy of love are her three daughters: Debbie (Jim) Haulk, Jami (Artie) Loveland, and Tanya (Shane) Cowan; grandkids: Tory Esarey, Nathan Haulk, Adam Haulk, Josh Loveland, Zach Loveland, Blayne Cowan, Clayton Cowan & Miriam Cowan; great grandkids: Ona Esarey and Andre Esarey; siblings: Jerry (Janet) Wood and Aleda (Estel) Harney; nephews: Rick (Misty) Wood, Doug Wood, Nathanial (Devin) Bogard, Kevin Harney and Kris (Laura) Harney; niece: Sally (Matt) Tincher
     Karen was preceded in death by her parents: Alfred and Dortha Wood; grandparents: Guy and Hazel Whetstone; great grandmother: Emma Gordon; and great uncle: Orville Gordon.
Karen instilled many values and principles in the hearts of her daughters and they are so very proud of the person their mother was.
     In big ways and small, Karen will always be a part of her children’s’ lives. Each time they sprinkle pepper on their food, sip down a fizzy coke, open a window for fresh air, laugh inappropriately, fart unexpectedly, order a breaded tenderloin, prepare dressing (that will never taste as good as momma’s), help a person in need, search through a bottomless pit purse, root for an underdog, marvel at the beauty of a cardinal, or worship the Savior, that she introduced them to, they will remember the amazing gift she was in their lives.
     A memorial service to celebrate Karen will be held on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home and Cremation Services, located at 314 N Main St. in Tipton at 3pm with Rev David Mygrant officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be held prior to service from 12pm to 3pm. All are welcome!
 

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