Karen Lee Jefferson, 71, and a longtime resident of Warsaw, passed away at 4:45 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22, 2017, in Kingston Care Center, Fort Wayne.

Born on Oct. 15, 1945, in Independence, Mo., Karen was the daughter of Walter Thomas Winkler, Sr. and Vivian Rutherford.

Karen was married to Edwin Lee Jefferson on Oct. 15, 1977. The two would share more than 16 years before his passing.

Karen spent 25 years working at Biomet before she retired in 2012. At her retirement, she was working in the payroll and accounting department.

Karen was a member of the Moose Lodge, American Legion Post 49 and VFW Post 1126. She enjoyed shopping and especially enjoyed finding a bargain at thrift shops or garage sales. She liked to play BINGO. Mostly, she enjoyed time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a member of Warsaw Community Church.

Those who survive include two daughters, Bonnie (Gail) Blaugh, Columbia City, and Rhonda (Scot Moody) Watson, Goshen; seven grandchildren, Jeremiah (Lisa) Blaugh, Columbia City, Justin (Nicole Hyndman) Blaugh, Columbia City, Stephanie Watson, Goshen, Renae (Joseph Alvarez) Watson, Elkhart, Sage Larson, Huntingtown, Md., Conner Contreras, Goshen, and Michael Saving, Philippines. Also surviving are four great-grandchildren; and her sister, Linda Roth, Shawnee Mission, Kan.

In addition to Karen’s husband, Edwin, those who preceded her in passing include her son, Bryan Saving; and brother, Thomas Winkler.

A gathering of family and friends will take place in Titus Funeral Home, 2000 E. Sheridan St., Warsaw, from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30.

Flowers are welcome but memorial donations are encouraged to Mooseheart Child City and School, 155 N. International Drive, Mooseheart, IL 60539.

The staff of Titus Funeral Home is honored to care for the family and friends of Karen Jefferson.