Karen Sue Abel , age 73 of Phoenix, AZ, and formerly of Elwood, IN, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 27, 2025 in Phoenix following an extended illness. She was born February 18, 1952 in Winchester, the daughter of George D. and Sara M. (King) Abel. Karen was a 1970 graduate of Winchester High School, and continued her education by earning a bachelor's and a master's degree from Ball State University with a passion for mathematics and a calling to teach.  Karen's heart for education led her to begin her teaching career at Union City High School before finding her true home at Elwood Community Schools. She moved to Elwood, IN in 1978, where she would dedicate the next 40 years of her life to shaping young minds as a beloved high school math teacher. Karen possessed a rare gift—the ability to make even the most challenging mathematical concepts accessible and engaging. Countless former students remember Ms. Abel not just as the teacher who finally helped them understand math, but as someone who believed in them when they doubted themselves. Her classroom was a place of patience, encouragement, and genuine care for each student's success.

Beyond the classroom, Karen's kind heart touched the entire Elwood community. She generously gave her time and warmth to the Elwood Elks Lodge and the Delta Theta Tau Sorority, building lasting friendships and supporting causes close to her heart. Whether mentoring a struggling student, volunteering in the community, or simply offering a listening ear to a colleague or friend, Karen approached life with compassion and grace.  After retiring in 2009, Karen moved to Phoenix to spend her retirement years with her beloved sister, Nancy, continuing to spread joy and kindness to all who knew her. Karen will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered as an adored teacher who changed lives, a cherished community member who gave selflessly, a devoted sister, and a caring aunt whose warmth and kindness touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Karen is survived by her sister, Nancy L. Bowen of Phoenix, AZ; 3 nieces, Sara Bowen of Phoenix, AZ, Laura Parkison of Oak Ridge, TN, and Melissa Martin of Redkey, IN; nephew, Ross Bowen of Indianapolis; and several extended family and friends.  Karen is preceded in death by her parents; and sister, Linda R. Moore.

A memorial service celebrating Karen's life will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, February 13, 2026 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Tim Becker of Main Street Wesleyan Church officiating.  Following the service, she will be buried at Jerico Cemetery in Winchester, next to her parents, and sister.  A visitation for family and friends will be held from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm prior to the memorial service on Friday, February 13, 2026 at the funeral home.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at copherfeslermay.com.