Karen E (Bates) Stewart

Karen Elizabeth Bates Stewart, age 79, passed away on October 26, 2023, in Medina, Ohio. She had been struggling with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis for several years. Karen was born November 10, 1943, in Portsmouth, Ohio to the late Matty (Locke) Bates and Robert Bates Oak Hill, Ohio.

Karen was the second oldest of 8 children. She lent a hand in helping care for her younger siblings, including two sets of twins. Karen moved to Warsaw, Indiana, a single mother, with her daughter Robin Bailey, and began to provide foster care for over 30 children, raising two as her own, Penny and Priscilla Peconga.

Karen is survived by her daughter, Robin (Ken) Bailey, Lodi, Ohio; two foster daughters, Priscilla Peconga and Penny Knight, Warsaw, Indiana; five grandchildren Holly (Kyler) Vuittonet, Syracuse, Indiana; Anna (Dale) Stamper Warsaw, Indiana; Serenity Knight, Kaidan Knight, Alec Knight, Warsaw, Indiana; six great-grandchildren, Skyler McGriff, Warsaw, Indiana, Kyla Vuittonet, Syracuse, Indiana, Alaina Stamper, Warsaw, Indiana, Drake Stamper, Warsaw, Indiana, Micah McGriff, Mission, Texas, Kyler Jr Vuittonet, Syracuse, Indiana; two sisters, Beverly Margo (Samual) Anderson, Warsaw, Indiana, Pamela Bates, Oak Hill, Ohio; two sisters-in-law, Joyce Bates, Columbus, Ohio, Vickie Bates, Fairborn, Ohio, one brother-in-law, Fred Carpenter, Oak Hill, Ohio; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and other extended family.

Karen was preceded in death by one daughter, Patricia Canter, Oak Hill, Ohio; one grandson, Michael McGriff, Warsaw, Indiana; four siblings, Larry Bates, Bradenton, Florida, Patrick Bates, Fairborn, Ohio, Herbert Michael Bates, Columbus, and Belinda "Jackie" Carpenter, Oak Hill, Ohio.

She loved her family fiercely and never failed to be vocal about her support, attending countless games and events throughout the lives of her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. One always knew when Karen was in attendance, and that she was there because she loved you. She was often referred to as “Grandma” by Holly, Anna, and Michael’s teammates. And brought excitement to each game.

In addition to her family support, she studied and obtained her GED. She worked at Kosciusko Community Hospital for 25 years, during which she founded The Stroke Club, a support group for stroke victims, and The Taste of Kosciusko, an event spotlighting local restaurants and services, that is still active today. She went on to start her own Home Health Care business, and served the community for another 10 years. Karen had a gift of working with elderly patients, helping meet their needs respectfully and with empathy. She made people feel welcome and included in her life.

In recent years, she was a resident of Lodi, Ohio. Karen was always one to make you laugh and quite often could embarrass you. She will greatly be missed!

Karen's life will be remembered and celebrated during the visitation and funeral service to be held at Lewis & Gillum Funeral Home, 202 Maple Ave, Oak Hill, Ohio. Visitation will be on Tuesday, Oct. 31 from 1 p.m. to 3pm; the funeral service will follow directly after. Online condolences may be sent to www.lewisgillum.com.