Karen B Ward

Karen B. Ward, 63, of Columbus, Indiana, passed away on Friday, October 9, 2026, at Columbus Regional Hospital.

Born in Chicago, Karen was adopted by David Bair and Naomi Landis Bair. She later married the love of her life, Ronald Ward, on Aug 6, 1999.

Karen loved music, especially live music, and enjoyed everything from classic rock to hip-hop. Music was a special bond she shared with her family, creating memories that will live on for years to come. She loved nature, appreciated beautiful things, and took pride in creating a beautiful home where family could gather and feel loved.

An excellent cook, Karen learned from her mother, affectionately known as Granny Bair. Family cookouts, enchiladas, and her gigantic peanut butter pancakes were among the favorite dishes that brought everyone together. For Karen, cooking was more than preparing food; it was a way of showing love and creating treasured family memories.

Karen was a strong woman who often spoke of having a “Warrior heart,” a strength she attributed to her Native ancestry. Of Cherokee and Ojibwe descent, her birth name was Elaine Deerinwater, and she held her Native heritage close to her heart. She enjoyed attending the Bad River Reservation Powwow in Wisconsin, making the annual trip with her family a cherished tradition.

Above all, Karen loved her family deeply. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother and great-grandmother, caring sister, and friend. Her family was her world, and the love she gave so freely will remain with them always.

Karen was preceded in death by her adoptive parents, David and Naomi Bair.

She is survived by her husband, Ronald Ward; her children, Adena Reeves, Diana Fiends, Christopher Reeves, Donald Reeves, and Bradley Ward; her grandchildren, Leo John-Lee Reeves, Marleen Naomi Reeves, Daniel Lee Reeves, Gabriell Reeves, Ethan White, Elaine White, Caylyn Reeves, Ryan Reeves, and Sienna Reeves; her great-granddaughter, Josi Holmes; her sister, Patty Robertson; and her nephew, Steven Vonscott Bair.

Karen leaves behind a legacy of strength, love, family traditions, and cherished memories. Her warrior heart will live on through the generations she loved so dearly.