Karen Jai Shockey Bussard, 64, of Roann, Indiana, died at 5:38 pm, Sunday, January 23, 2022, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. She was born on July 5, 1957, in Marion, Indiana, to Ronald and Nancy (Bradford) Shockey.
Karen attended high school in Port Charlotte, Florida. In high school, Karen was a member of the saddle and horse club in 4H, and the marine biology club, interests she held all her life. She then received her bachelor’s degree from Manchester University in 1996, and her M.S.W. (Master’s in Social Work) from Indiana University in 1998.
She worked primarily as a Psychotherapist and Counselor for at-risk adolescents. She was instrumental in the creation of the Youth Activity Center (YAC) in South Padre Island, Texas, a community center that provided a safe haven and educational opportunities for kids and teens.
On May 11, 2020, she married William “Bill” Bussard. Both widowed, they re-connected after being friends for many years. They shared a love for gardening, serving the community, and taking long motorcycle rides.
Karen was naturally generous and effusive, and felt uniquely called to serve and love kids and teenagers. She often referred to herself as “big kid.” She enjoyed sharing her cooking secrets, and baking too much, so she had an excuse to give it away to friends and neighbors. Her favorite spots were anywhere with family, or a quiet fishing boat. Her giving spirit was infectious and she desired to share with everyone the Love that God had for them, especially through her service with Warsaw Community Church.
She is survived by her husband, William “Bill” Bussard of Roann, two sons, David Dyson of Denver, Indiana, and Benjamin Dyson of Rochester, Indiana, two step children, Sarah Bussard of Wichita, Kansas, and Aaron Bussard of Roann, six grandchildren, mother, Nancy Shockey of Silver Lake, Indiana, and brother, Ron Shockey of North Manchester. She was preceded in death by her father, Ronald Shockey and sister, Katherine Morris.
Memorial services will be 2:00 pm, Saturday, February 5, 2022, at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service – Roann, 335 S. Chippewa Rd., Roann, with Pastor Jeff Pfeiffer officiating. Friends may call 12:30 – 2:00 pm, Saturday, at the funeral home. Burial will be in Roann Community Cemetery at a later date.
Preferred memorial is Warsaw Community Church Missions.
The memorial guest book for Karen may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.
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