Karen Sue Hawkins Riggle

Karen Sue Hawkins Riggle, 83, of Indianapolis, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born November 21, 1942, to the late Clarence P. and Alice I. (Richardson) Hawkins. Karen grew up in Bedford, Indiana. On September 10, 1961, she married the love of her life, Larry, beginning a partnership that spanned nearly 65 devoted years. Karen was a beautician and business owner in the Indianapolis area for several years. She built her career through hard work, talent, and determination. She retired from her business to dedicate herself fully to raising her two children, Scott and Kara. Karen was an unstoppable mother. She poured herself into her family, doing whatever it took to ensure her children had the very best life possible. That love only grew as her family expanded. When Jerri joined the family 25 years ago, she was never “just” a daughter-in-law, she became another daughter to Karen, and she embraced her fully as a mother would. Stan came into Karen’s life ten years ago. Although her disease eventually stole her ability to fully know him, Stan knew her. He showed up for her in countless quiet ways, providing care, strength, and steady support as our family navigated her illness. Later in life, she worked part-time at Helio’s Tea & Gifts in Carmel, a place that reflected her love for fashion, details, and making others feel special. Her passion for flowers was more than a hobby; it was an art form. Karen loved decorating for every holiday and was the heart behind countless family gatherings. She had a gift for making celebrations feel magical and for bringing people together. Her greatest joy became her only grandchild, Daniel. To him, she was “Nia”, a title she wore proudly. He meant more to her than anything in this world. Her love for him was fierce, protective, and unconditional. She was known to be his “defense attorney”. Family was everything to Karen, including her pets. Karen treated her pets like her children. And while she had impeccable taste in décor, her pets enjoyed a more refined cuisine…McDonald’s chicken nuggets, a treat she happily shared with them. For the last ten years, Karen courageously battled Lewy body dementia. She was fighter in every sense of the word. Even as the disease progressed, her spirit endured. Music, singing, and the steady presence of family were instrumental in carrying her through the hardest days. She spent the last year and a half of her life at Story Cottage in Carmel, where she was cared for with compassion and dignity. Karen is survived by her loving husband, Larry E. Riggle; her children, Scott P. Riggle (Jerri) and Kara A. Riggle (Stanley Collesano); her cherished grandson, Daniel A. Riggle; and her sisters, Jane Smith (Greg) and Sherri Emenhiser. She was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Ann Roach. Karen’s life was defined by devotion to her husband, her children, her grandson, and her family. Her strength, her voice, her traditions, and her love will live on in all who knew her. Details to a Celebration of Life will be provided soon. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Karen’s honor may be made to the Alzheimer's Association and/or the Indianapolis Zoo.

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Karen Sue Hawkins Riggle

November 21, 1942 - February 10, 2026