Karen Sue "Susie" Richards, age 68, a life-long resident of Elwood, died Sunday, March 31, 2013 at Seton Hospital in Indianapolis after succumbing to injuries sustained in an accident. She was born April 27, 1944 in Elwood the daughter of Donald L. "Lester" and Wilma C. (Yohe) Lee. She worked for many years as a realtor and property manager, most recently for Stewart Properties in Carmel and retired in 2012. She was a 1962 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School in Elwood. Karen married David M. Richards on April 20, 1963. She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Elwood and had attended East Main Street Christian Church. Karen was very active in politics and had served as a precinct committee-woman; was a former member of the Elwood Board of Works; served on the Elwood Zoning Board; and also served as Water Superintendent for the City of Elwood during Mayor Blair Englehart's term. Karen was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. She enjoyed firing and painting ceramics, reading, geneology, knitting, and playing cards. Karen loved her family and especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren who brought her great joy.

Her family includes her mother, Wilma C. "Boots" Lee of Elwood, 2 sons David L. (wife Jennifer) Richards of Elwood and Michael J. (wife Kelli) Richards of Elwood; 3 grandchildren; David A. Richards of Brazil, Lily M. Richards and Ian J. Richards of Elwood; 2 great-granddaughters, Tessa L. Richards and Caytee M. Richards of Elwood; aunt, Phyllis Yohe of Windfall; 2 nephews, Joseph Burdsall and Richard Burdsall of Elwood; special friend, Phil Stewart of Carmel; and several cousins.

She was preceded in death by her father; her husband of more than 39 years, David M. Richards who died October 7, 2002; grandson, Scott M. Richards; father and mother-in-law, "Di" and Ruby Richards; and sister-in-law, Sara J. Burdsall.

Funeral services will be conducted at 8:00 PM on Wednesday, April 3, 2013 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Roger Gardner of East Main Street Christian Church officiating, and will begin with a Beta Sigma Phi Sorority Memorial Service. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 PM on Wednesday prior to the funeral at the funeral home. Burial will take place at a later date in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery in Elwood. Memorial contributions may be made to Riley Hospital for Children through the funeral home. Online condolences may be made to the family at: www.copherfeslermay.com.