Karen Carlton, 74, of Greendale, Indiana, sailed away on her journey to Heaven Saturday, June 24, 2023. She was born Aug. 27, 1948, in Batesville, Indiana, daughter of the late Jerome and Jean (Steinmetz) Fugitt. When she was little Karen got to ride on the famous American Legion Peggy as a National Poppy Girl with her identical twin Sharon. She loved all her brothers and sisters. She was a member of the original Arch Street Gang as a child.
Karen was a born again Christian. She was a member of the Lawrenceburg American Legion Ladies Auxiliary. She drove the life squad for Greendale and drove a school bus for Lawrenceburg Community Schools. She liked to cook and bake. Her grandchildren absolutely loved her green stuff (pistachio salad), potato salad, and carrot cake; all were a must have at family functions. Her baked beans were a favorite of many! She loved spending time with her family, they were her “Everything.” She always looked after her home and made sure it was decorated perfect for every holiday. She was a proud homemaker! She worked as a beautician by trade and had her own beauty shop, Total Image Beauty Salon. Her creative streak included ceramics and work as a florist. Her children reminisce about the times mom would accompany them on their field trips; she never missed one!
Karen’s fondest memories were date nights with her husband Rick, to her favorite restaurants, but anywhere was perfect as long as they were together. Thursday night Music on the River was always in the mix, too. Their first date was April 14, 1963. They were married Oct. 9, 1965. Karen and Sharon (the twins) married best friends Rick and Dick.
She is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Rick Carlton of Greendale, Indiana; two sons, Jason (Shana) Carlton of Lawrenceburg, Indiana, Scott Carlton of Lawrenceburg, Indiana; daughter, Robin (Greg) Wray of Dover, Indiana; two brothers, Mike (Blase) Fugitt of Lawrenceburg, Indiana, Timmy (Lorraine) Fugitt of Patriot, Indiana; two sisters, Sharon Gilb of Greendale, Indiana, Jerri Lynn(Randy) Rollins of Moores Hill, Indiana; 11 grandchildren, Melissa Richardson, Joshua Carlton, Luke Brooks, Emily Carlton, Wyatt Carlton, Morgan Carlton, Haleigh Carlton, Justin Carlton, Felicity Wray, Kinzer Wray, Harper Wray; and one great-grandchild, Jude Richardson.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jerome and Jean Fugitt; rwo sons, Christopher Carlton, Troy Carlton; and her sister, Barbara “Doc” Conner.
Karen was a woman of many titles including daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandma, memaw, nana, and great grandma. The best was reserved for her husband: sweetheart.
Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Fitch-Denney Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at Fitch-Denney Funeral Home, Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at 6 p.m., with Pastor Tim Russell officiating.
Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Visit us at www.fitchdenney.com.