Former Rochester resident, Karen “Sue” Stokes, 80, was surrounded by her loving family when she passed away on Sunday, May 26, 2024, in Mobile Alabama.
In Elwood, on December 18, 1943, Karen Sue Smith was born to George and Mary Kreider Smith. Sue graduated from Wendell L. Wilke High School of Elwood. Continuing her education at Ball State University, she earned her Bachelor's of Science in Elementary Education then persevering forward a master's degree in education.
In the 1st Baptist Church of Elwood, Sue and William Joseph Stokes were married on August 21, 1965. They shared 42 years of life’s adventures. From their union came 4 wonderful children. The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of two more generations. Sadly, Bill passed away on July 4, 2008.
Mrs. Stokes was a teacher at Rochester Community Schools and the Manitou Training Center for many years. She was an active member of the First Baptist Church and was a member of the choir. Other memberships include Tri-Kappa Sorority and the Purdue Women of Song.
Left to cherish Sue's memory are two sons: Stephen Stokes and wife Lisa of Monrovia, Richard Stokes and wife Tracy of Mobile, Alabama; seven grandchildren: Zachary Stokes, Owen Stokes, Jennifer Bowyer and husband Luke, Shelby Stokes and wife Tiffany, Phillip Stokes, Garrett Stokes, Brittany Jones; nine great-grandchildren: James, Taelyn, Winry, Charlotte, Lela, Maceo, Karoline, Ava and Olivia, daughter-in-law, Rhonda Hall and her son Kyle of Rochester; two sisters-in-law LeAnn Lynsmeyer of Elwood, Suellen Stokes of Anderson.
Preceding Sue in death are her parents; husband Bill; infant daughter, Jennifer Sue Stokes on April 19, 1981; son Christopher J. Stokes on October 1, 2021; a brother Richard Smith of California; and a brother-in-law Greg Lynsmeyer.
A celebration of the life of Karen Sue Stokes will be Friday, June 7, 2024, at 11:00 AM in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th St., Rochester.
Friends may visit with the family two hours prior to her services. Pastor Dr. Mark Spencer will officiate.
Graveside services will be at 2:00 PM in the Elwood City Cemetery, Elwood, IN.
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 1000 Main St., Rochester, IN 46975 or Manitou Training Center, 1690 E. Lucas St., Rochester, IN 46975.
