Karen Elaine Batts

Karen Batts, age 69, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2025, in Holt, Michigan after a very short battle with cancer. Born on May 14, 1956, in West Frankfort, Illinois, Karen’s life was marked by deep faith, unwavering devotion to her family, and a joyful spirit that touched everyone who knew her.

Karen was married for 51 years to the love of her life, Vernon Blaine Batts, with whom she built a beautiful legacy of love and laughter. She is survived by her husband, Blaine, her sister Sharon (Max) Lude, her children Kristen (Chuck) Williams, Jason (Joni) Batts, and Lisa Herman, 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Her family was her greatest pride and joy, and she was best known for her home cooked meals, competitive board game spirit, and cheering on her beloved Kansas Jayhawks.

Professionally, Karen found fulfillment in her career and retired as a senior staff accountant from Kraft CPAs in Nashville, TN where she made lasting friendships and brought excellence and care to all she did. A woman of deep faith, Karen was a longtime member of Nashville First Church of the Nazarene and the Berean Sunday School Class. For the past year, she has been a regular attender of South Lansing Church of the Nazarene in Michigan. Karen embraced new adventures and made lasting impressions on everyone she met as she and Blaine spent time living in different parts of the country including Tennessee, Illinois, Kansas, Nevada, Maryland, and Michigan.

Her warm smile, quick wit, and nurturing heart will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A memorial service to celebrate Karen’s life will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Nashville First Church of the Nazarene.