Karen Faye Anderson

Karen Faye Anderson went into the arms of Jesus on Wednesday morning, November 12, 2025, at her home in Columbus, Indiana. Karen was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. Her life was a testament to love, grace, and unwavering faith. She was a light in the lives of many, and on the night she went home, the sky was illuminated by the northern lights — a beautiful reflection of her radiant spirit. Karen was born on September 30, 1946, in Salem, Indiana, to Stanley Earl and Betty Martha (Callaway) Gater. She graduated from Silver Creek High School in Sellersburg, Indiana, in 1965, and on August 6 of that same year, she married the love of her life, Marvin B. Anderson. They shared 45 wonderful years together until his passing on November 27, 2010. Karen’s greatest joy was being a stay-at-home mother, a role she had always dreamed of. She raised her children in the church and lived out her Christian faith daily. She was a devoted member of East Columbus Christian Church and an active participant in Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). A woman of many talents and simple joys, Karen was an avid reader and skilled crocheter who lovingly crafted countless blankets and delicate doilies. She loved vacationing with her family at the beach and in the Great Smoky Mountains, where she found peace, laughter, and joy in God’s creation. Karen will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, and unwavering devotion to her family and faith. She cherished time spent with her loved ones, creating treasured memories through shared traditions and everyday moments. Her wonderful sense of humor could light up any room, and her laughter and joyful spirit were gifts to all who knew her. She is survived by her two daughters, Lora (and the late Steve) Fields of Columbus, Indiana, and Pam (Clyde) Whitehead of Elizabethtown, Indiana; and two brothers, Donald Gater of Crossville, Tennessee, and Richard Gater of Memphis, Indiana. Karen was the proud grandmother of seven grandchildren: Mark (Kristin) Fields, Stephanie (Craig) Bunch, Steve Lee (Janelle) Fields, Billie (Josh) Tedrow, Ashley (Moses) Manuel, Tyler Fields, and the late Cody Whitehead. She was also blessed with fourteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter, all of whom will forever hold her close in their hearts. She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband; her son, Tim Anderson; her son-in-law, Steve Fields; her grandson, Cody Whitehead; and two brothers, Phil and David Gater. Karen’s Life Celebration® Visitation and Funeral Service will be held at the Jewell – Rittman Family Funeral Home, 3855 25th Street, Columbus, Indiana. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025, 5 to 8 p.m. The funeral service will begin at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, November 15, 2025. Pastor Ron Bridgewater will officiate, and burial will follow at Garland Brook Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana or to the East Columbus Christian Church. Visit www.JewellRittman.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.