Karen Lynn Bruce, 73 of Valparaiso, IN, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Friday, September 13, 2024. She was born May 7, 1951, in Winfield, KS, to Maurice and Sally (Hughes) Asbury. Karen graduated from Lew Wallace High School in Gary, IN, and became a Real Estate Agent with McColly. She later made her career as a Customer Service Manager at Walmart in Valparaiso for 25 years, before retirement. Karen was a member of Valparaiso Baptist Church, where she took part in the bible study. She enjoyed shopping, traveling, and camping at Broken Arrow. Karen was happiest when she was hosting her friends and family and showing off her beautifully and meticulously decorated home. Each holiday had its own elaborate decoration scheme, which Karen magnificently designed. She was the beloved matriarch of the family who kept everyone close together. Karen’s charismatic personality, generous nature, and caring heart will be lovingly remembered by all who knew her. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, who will be dearly missed.
On May 6, 2001, at The Little White Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas, NV, Karen married Daniel Bruce, who survives, along with her sons: Brian (Darcy) Baros of Valparaiso, Jeff (Hope) Baros of Knox, and Chris (Jen) Baros of Michigan City; grandchildren: DaCota, Riley, Morgan, Ella, Kayden, Zach, Brett, Faith, and Christopher; great-grandchildren: Jaxon and Ayden; brothers: John Asbury and Mike Asbury; many nieces, nephews, and extended family members; and beloved dog, Casper. She was preceded in death by her mother and stepfather, Sally and Richard Milligan; father, Maurice Asbury; sister, Wanda Fox; brother, Robert Asbury; and dog, Rusty.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Valparaiso Baptist Church, 612 Emmettsburg St., Valparaiso, with a funeral service beginning at 1:00 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to the church.
GUESTBOOK
Sending love hugs and a zillion prayers. I am sincerely sorry. She was a very sweet friend. -Linda Bunker
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Karen was definitely a shining light to all who knew her. Rest in Peace Karen. -Mary & Jim Rowan
Sending condolences to Brian, Jeff, and Chris and their families, and to her brother, John. Karen was one of the sweetest people, I have ever known. I pray she has gained, everlasting, peace and happiness. -Valena and Randy Turner
We are saddened to hear of Karen’s passing. She was a beautiful, kind, caring and loving lady. Her smiles would light up a room and the sparkle in her eyes made you feel special. May she soar with the angels in Heaven. We will miss you sweet Karen. -Leo and Barb McIlvenna
I became a neighbor of Karen's when I moved on Devonshire Rd. She introduced herself to me as I was walking in the rain to work because my car was broke down...She asked me if I would like a ride. After that we became friends and had been ever since. As we got older and she had moved to Valparaiso, we stated in touch a lot through Facebook. I can't say enough kind things about this WONDERFUL woman. She was so loving and kind and I will surely miss her. One day Karen I will meet you on the other side and we can be neighbors again.. -Debbie Hritz
- Sue Lupus
My condolences go out to all of Karen's family and friends. You will surely be missed Karen. I will never forget all the good times we had at Walmart 1479. I love you my friend. Rest in Peace Karen. -Karen L Ulm (Kuehl back in the day)
I wish I could have been there to say not goodby but that we’ll meet again. My most heartfelt condolences go out to her children, grandchildren and her husband. -Lillian Walters
My name is Pam White and I worked with Karen at Walmart. We always had a good time, she was a good employee and let me come to her house during a winter storm for the night! I enjoyed working with her and she worked my dad also, Ralph. My deepest condolences to you all! -Pam White
