Karen A. Winterrowd, 87, of Rochester, passed away at 11:18 PM on Thursday, June 22, 2023 at her residence.
On February 1, 1936, Karen Ann Westwood was born at 406 Ohio Street, Rochester in the home that her grandfather, Abraham Shuman built. She was the treasured daughter of Fred A. and Ruth S. Shuman Westwood. Growing up she shared her childhood with an older brother Randy. Karen graduated with the Rochester High School Class of 1953,where she served as secretary. Following high school, she continued her formal education at the South Bend College of Commerce where she earned an associates degree in business.
Karen and Robert Winterrowd were married on October 3, 1954 in the (E.U.B.)Trinity United Methodist Church of Rochester. They shared 57 years of life’s adventures. Sadly, he passed away on May 20, 2012. From their union came a handsome son, Jeff, and three beautiful daughters, Jennifer, Julie and Jody. The family tree grew with the addition of five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
With a diverse interest in serving the public, Karen was the bookkeeper for Gast Furniture & Appliances, Secretary to the manager of Dean Foods, then worked at Burger Dairy Store all of Rochester. For 36 years Karen was co-owner with Bob of Winterrowd Electric, also keeping the books. Karen's memberships include Burton-Richland Center United Methodist Church, 15-year member of the Epsilon Sigma Alpha Sorority, member of the Lioness Club and chief organizer of the Class of 1953 reunions every five years since graduation.
The Winterrowd’s enjoyed traveling and vacationing. A favorite location was the England, where they visited their pen pals and discovered the essence and beauty of the English flower gardens. On their return home they transformed their yard into an English garden like those found across the pond. Their gardens emitted such radiant beauty that they opened the gardens for summer tours, "Open Garden Day," hosting +100 at each event.
Talented with her hands, Karen was a gifted artist expressing herself with watercolors. She also enjoyed basket weaving, gardening, all types of needlework and writing to her pen pals in England. Karen collected unique pieces of glassware and best of all spending time with friends.
Left to cherish Karen's memory are a son, Jeff Winterrowd and wife Michelle, of Rochester, three daughters: Julie Bruessel and husband Jim of Medford, Minnesota, Jenny Adams and husband Andy, and Jody Winterrowd and partner Jeremy Taylor all of Rochester; 5 grandchildren: Jordyn Caudle and fiance Richard Howson, Jarrad Bruessel and Fiancée Katie Villwock, Kelsey Christensen and husband Micah, Samuel Adams and wife Alana and Ryder Winterrowd; 2 great-grandchildren: Eloise Adams, Westwood Adams; a special niece, Jill Westwood Sowder; a brother-in-law Garry Winterrowd; and 2 sisters-in-law, Jacksie Reiken and Martha Winterrowd,.
Preceding Karen in death are her parents Fred and Ruth Westwood, beloved husband Bob, a niece Susan Franzen, her brother Randall Westwood and his wife Carol.
A celebration of the life of Karen Ann Winterrowd will be at 1:00 PM, Friday, June 30, 2023, in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th St., Rochester. Pastor Steve Hartman will officiate.
Friends may visit with the family from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM.
Interment will be in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.
Preferred memorials may be made to the Burton-Richand Center United Methodist Church 6990-N 150-W, Rochester, Indiana 46975 or the Arbor Day Foundation, 211 North 12th Street, Lincoln, NE 68508.
