Karen D. Wathen, age 68, of Linton, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at 8:00 A.M. on Tuesday, October 4, 2022, at her residence. She was born in Shelbyville on October 12, 1953, the daughter of James and Patsy Ruth (Bowman) Francis.
Karen was a 1971 graduate of Linton-Stockton High School and a 1975 graduate from the Ball State University nursing program. She worked as a registered nurse, then founded and served as the Director of the Greene County Home Healthcare through Greene County General Hospital for 38 years until her retirement.
Karen was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church in Linton where she served as Lector and Eucharistic minister and Sunday School teacher. Other memberships include Tri Kappa, worked many Emmaus walks since 1993, the Retired Nurses Association, St. Anne’s Altar Society, and the former Linton Rotary Club. She previously served as a board member of Generations and Indiana Home Health Association.
She enjoyed spending time with her family, gardening, camping, cross stitch, bird watching, and playing with her grandchildren.
Survivors include her husband, Michael J. Wathen, whom she married on August 17, 1974; two sons, Christopher M. Wathen of Linton and Dr. David A.(Stephanie) Wathen of Freeburg, IL; six grandchildren, Owen, Jerek, Jackson, Jacie, Bennett, and Mabel Wathen; a brother, Kevin (Debbie) Francis; and three sisters, Kathryn (John) Matthews, Amy (Kent) Foglesong, and Krista Boucher.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Visitation will be held at Welch & Cornett Funeral Home in Linton on Friday from 4-8 P.M., with rosary held at 7 P.M., and Saturday from 9:00 – 9:30 A.M.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Peter Catholic Church in Linton at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, October 8, 2022, Father Thomas Biju officiating.
Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Linton.
Memorial contributions may be made to Linton Food Pantry, through the funeral home.
Online condolences may be shared with Karen’s family at www.welchcornett.com.