Karen Roberts Sare

Karen Roberts Sare, 71, North Manchester, Indiana, passed away on November 10, 2024. The daughter of James and Ruth (Bendsen) Rowe, Karen was born July 6, 1953 in Angola, Indiana.

Karen’s life-long vocational calling was to live a life of service and accompaniment. She graduated from Wawasee High School in Syracuse, in 1971 and went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Manchester College in 1975. After college, Karen joined the Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) where she was based in Jackson, Mississippi. On June 10, 1978, Karen married Jeffrey Roberts, who became an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church (UMC). For two decades, while raising their children, Karen served in ministerial roles at UMC churches throughout Northern Illinois where Jeffrey was the pastor. During part of this time, Karen also worked as a registered respiratory therapist providing care and comfort for patients and their families. Karen’s first husband, Jeffrey, passed away on April 5, 2001.

Karen went on to work for the Church of the Brethren General Office in Elgin, Illinois, with the BVS program. Later, Karen pursued a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Bethany Seminary, where she graduated in 2011. While studying at Bethany Seminary, Karen reconnected with Randy Sare, whom she had previously known as a student at Manchester College. 

In a chapter filled with renewed joy, Karen and Randy married on May 8, 2011. The two shared a passion for deep theological conversations and their union brought happiness and companionship. Together they created a life in North Manchester, rooted in love and kindness.

In December of 2016 Karen was diagnosed with a terminal lung disease. In April of 2017, Karen received a double lung transplant, which extended her life by 7 1/2 years, allowing her to meet and spend time with all of her grandchildren. Despite facing many challenges related to the lung transplant, Karen continued to find great joy in having authentic and meaningful conversations with her community and loved ones. 

Karen's life was a testament to her unwavering faith and incredible strength. She had an extraordinary gift for making people feel known, seen, and loved. Karen accompanied many on their journeys of exploring profound theological questions, helping them navigate their search for meaning in life. Karen’s legacy will continue through the many lives she touched and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

The loving memory of Karen Roberts Sare will be forever cherished by her husband, Randy Sare, North Manchester; sons, Drew (Krista) Roberts, Pleasant Hill, California, Joel (Casey) Roberts, San Jose, California, and Jon (Sacha G.) Sare, North Manchester; daughter, Tasha (Amy Worman) Sare, Fort Wayne; sister, Kay (Dave) Shain, Granville, Ohio; grandchildren, Grace Roberts, Jackson Roberts, Jake Roberts, Abby Roberts, Drake Sare, Lilyenne Sare, Orion Sare, and Nate Sare Worman. Karen was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Ken Rowe; and first husband, Jeffrey Roberts.

A visitation to celebrate her life will be held on January 10, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, followed by a memorial service at 2:00 PM at the Manchester Church of the Brethren, located at 1306 Beckley St, North Manchester, IN 46962.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Karen Roberts Sare, memorial contributions may be made to the Manchester Church of the Brethren, P.O. Box 349, North Manchester, Indiana 46962.

The family of Karen Roberts Sare has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.