Karan Stephens

Karan (Kuster) Stephens, 83, passed away on May 4, 2026, at Deaconess Memorial Medical Center in Jasper, Indiana.

Born on May 11, 1942, in Tell City, Indiana, she was the daughter of Herbert Samuel and Mary Vandora (Hall) Kuster. Karan was united in marriage to Joseph “Loren” Stephens on March 20, 1970, and together they shared 49 years before his passing in 2019.

Karan dedicated many years to working in manufacturing, beginning with Swiss Plywood and later retiring from MasterBrand in 2004. She was a faithful member of Noel United Methodist Church in Santa Claus, Indiana, as well as the American Legion Auxiliary Post 213 and the Perry County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.

Karan’s greatest joy in life was her family. She treasured every moment spent with them, whether attending her grandchildren’s sporting events and school plays or simply just being together. She loved sitting on her porch, where many heartfelt conversations were shared with her dear friend Donna as they talked through life’s moments. Karan also had a passion for travel and reading, but she was especially known for her baking. Her basement featured a fully equipped second kitchen just for cookie making, where every batch was part of a well-orchestrated production she led with pride.

She is survived by her children, Mark Stephens (Stephanie) of Tell City, Brian Stephens of Tell City, Julie Gunn (Jon) of Santa Claus, and Debbie Higginson (James) of Cameron, West Virginia; her 11 grandchildren, Amy Stephens (Bobby Bell), Tracy Stephens, Mason Stephens, Chase Stephens, Bryce Stephens, Kelly Wagoner (Eric), Abby Kamuf (Christopher), Jimmy Higginson (Christa), Jordyne Fouss (Tyler), Chelsea Stowe (Ibrahim), and Frances Stowe (Sarah); and her 12 great-grandchildren, Camden, Willow, Emery, Conner, Addison, Adley, Sadie, Allyson, Leeah, Isaiah, Laylah, and Jon.

In addition to her parents and husband, Karan was preceded in death by her daughter, Lisa Stowe, a son in infancy, Jeffrey Underhill, and her brothers, William and Herb Kuster.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. CST on Monday, May 11, 2026, at Zoercher-Gillick Funeral Home, with Rev. Cory Gieselman officiating. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. CST until the time of service at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Isaiah 117 House Perry-Spencer County, Indiana, or to Noel United Methodist Church in Santa Claus, Indiana.

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