Karen E. (Ellis) Oxendine

Karen (Ellis) Oxendine, 63, passed away in her home on July 30, 2020  in Terre Haute. She was born on September 15, 1956 in Terre Haute, Indiana to Charles and Violet (Wright) Ellis.

Karen is preceded in death by her father, Charles Ellis. She is survived by her mother Violet Ellis; her husband Robert Oxendine; child Kasi Oxendine (Stephanie); grandchildren Elijah and Liam Bose; brothers Dave Ellis (Diane), Ron Ellis (Kathy), and Brian Ellis (Chrissie); as well as many in-laws, nieces, nephews,  great nieces and nephews, and her faithful pug Beesley.

Karen graduated from Indiana State University with her Master’s Degree in Speech and Hearing Therapy in 1979. Karen spent most of her career working as a speech language pathologist for Vigo County School Corporation, and was at Farrington Grove Elementary School for over 20 years. She also spent several years supervising students at the Rowe Center for Communication Disorders at Indiana State. She was so loved and respected by her colleagues and students. She touched many lives through her work and always advocated for those less fortunate. Karen’s acts of service extended beyond her work, as she was a member of Episilon Sigma Alpha service organization for 30 years. Karen was a survivor of breast cancer, and attended Race for the Cure every year; she was well-known in the community of survivors and inspired those around her with her positivity and unbreakable strength.

Family and faith were the most important things to Karen. She never missed a family event, and was a beloved “box mom” for the Pride of South Marching Band at Terre Haute South High School. She was known for her famous sugar cookies, which were the talk of every family event. She was a long-time member of Prairieton United Methodist Church. She loved music, Grey’s Anatomy, and making trips to Target with her best friends. Those who knew Karen all say they are blessed to have had her influence in their lives.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2020 at DeBaun Springhill Chapel from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Service will follow visitation at 4:00 p.m.  Reverend Julie Puttmann will be officiating.  In lieu of flowers donations of school supplies can be made to Farrington Grove Elementary. Online condolences may be made to www.debaunfuneralhomes.com.

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