Karen Lynn (Hattery) Byrum, 53, Twelve Mile, was welcomed home by her Lord and Savior at 12:17 PM on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis, surrounded by loved ones, after a decades long and courageous battle with cancer.
Born August 28, 1971, at Dukes Memorial Hospital, she was the daughter of Max and Sue (Mallott) Hattery. On December 27, 1997, she was married to Roger Byrum, at the Mexico Church of the Brethren, where both had grown up together. Karen was a wonderful and caring mother to three very loved children, Evelynn, Elizabeth, and Edison.
Growing up on the family farm near Macy, Indiana, Karen shared her childhood with her identical twin sister, Karla, who was called home to Heaven in 2015, and twin brothers Kent and Kevin who loved them both dearly.
Karen was a 1990 graduate of North Miami High School and a 10-year Miami County 4-H member. She went on to graduate with a BS from Eastern Kentucky University in 1995 earning a degree in Education. While at college, Karen belonged to the Kappa Delta Tau Sorority where she formed many long-lasting friendships.
She served as an educator of children at Caston Elementary School in Rochester, Indiana. Her passion was caring for and educating young children she taught in class. She spent her life serving others in the field of education in hopes of preparing the next generation.
Not only did Karen assist those in learning, she served the community by volunteering at various youth events and served at Mexico Church of the Brethren where she was a member. She enjoyed watching Caston sporting, musical and robotic activities where her children and husband were very involved.
Karen, a faithful and Christ loving young woman, was the epitome of strength and a fighter who faced many trials and tribulations throughout her life. She was a kind-hearted and fierce friend who inspired others she touched every day.
Survivors include Karen’s husband, Roger Byrum, Twelve Mile, Indiana; three children: Evelynn (Zach) Slocum, Fayetteville, North Carolina, Elizabeth (Leoudy) Ventura, Logansport, Indiana and Edison Byrum, Twelve Mile, Indiana; parents, Max and Sue Hattery, Macy, Indiana.; brothers, Kent (Debbie) Hattery, Reading, Massachusetts; and Kevin (Erica) Hattery, Houston, Texas. She also leaves behind a grandchild to be born in September, Henry Antonio Ventura,(Elizabeth and Leoudy); nieces and nephews, Abbigayle and Carson (Karla); William, Andrew, Grace, and Catherine (Kent and Debbie); Nicole (Kevin and Erica); and several cousins, and close friends.
Family and friends are invited to gather from Noon-7:00 PM. on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at the Mexico Riverside Church (formerly Mexico Church of the Brethren), Mexico, Indiana.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at the church with Pastor Tim Deardorff and Pastor Matt Myers officiating. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery, Mexico, where she will be laid to rest next to her sister.
Memorial contributions may be made through the funeral home to the Northern Indiana Community Foundation, (memo: Karen Hattery Byrum Memorial Fund), and offered at the funeral or sent to the funeral home, McClain Funeral Home, P.O. Box 248, Denver, Indiana, 46926.
Arrangement by McClain Funeral Home, Denver, Indiana. Online condolences may be expressed at mcclainfh.com
