Karen A. Stover , age 82, a devoted lifelong resident of Elwood, passed away on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis following an extended illness. She was born July 5, 1943 in Elwood, the daughter of William "Bill" and Margaret (Hutcheson) Downey.  Karen was a 1961 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School and furthered her education by attending Indiana Business College. A woman of deep faith, she was a longtime member of Heartland Ministries.

Karen's dedication to her community was evident throughout her remarkable career. She began as a receptionist for Dr. William Buechler, then devoted over 30 years to Elwood Family Medicine as Dr. Robert Helm's receptionist, where she became a beloved fixture. Day after day, she greeted each patient with a warm smile and genuine patience, touching countless lives with her kindness. Karen truly cared about her community and took pride in making a difference in everyone's day. Her tireless work ethic extended to a 20-year career in sales for Lake End Sales, formerly Koch Book Company. She was also a longtime member and past president of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, and enjoyed bowling on local leagues.

Above all, Karen's greatest joy was her family. She cherished every moment spent with her loved ones and made it her mission to be present for all of life's important occasions. Whether attending her grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's sporting events, enjoying movies with friends, or simply being together, Karen was always on the go, her energy fueled by love. Her family was her heart, and she made sure they always knew how deeply they were loved and treasured.

Karen is survived by her son, Michael W. "Mike" (Billie) Stover of Fairmount; son-in-law, Tom (Stacy) Austgen of Lowell; 9 grandchildren, Bethany (Anthony) Ferguson, Cassie (Jeff) Michner, Ryan (Jodi) Austgen, Jamie Eccles, Madison Stover, Kaycee Stover, Ethan (Ryleigh) Austgen, Russ Berglund, and Riana Berglund; 10 great-grandchildren, Aaliyah, Carter, Brian, Mason, Haislee, Jackson, River, Huntsleigh, Dallas, Everly; 1 soon to be great-grandchild, Michner; sister, Brenda Giselbach of Fort Wayne; sister-in-law, Nancy Downey of Geneva; several nieces and nephews; and numerous extended family members and friends.

Karen is preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Lisa Austgen; 2 brothers, William "Bill" Downey, Jr., and Terry Downey; and sister, Patty (Bob) LaShure.

Karen's wishes were to be cremated and her family is having a life celebration gathering, or in Karen's terms "party", on Saturday, February 28, 2026 from 12:00 to 4:00 pm at the Elwood Elks Lodge.  Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood is honored to handle Karen's arrangements.  Memorial contributions are suggested to Heartland Ministries or the charity of the donor's choice.  Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at copherfeslermay.com.