Karen Kay Knox-Harris-Thornburg, 71, of Berne, passed away Monday evening, July 13, 2026, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.

Karen was born in Bluffton on June 19, 1955, to Horrace M. and Betty J. (Shipley) Knox.

Karen attended Bluffton High School and was a nurse’s aide at Ossian Health & Rehabilitation Center for five years. She more recently had been attending Life Community Church in Bluffton. Karen enjoyed being an artist, drawing, coloring, music, but most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family.

Survivors include a daughter, Misty Harris of Huntington and a son, Marc (Heidi) Harris of Berne; four grandchildren, Seth Harris, DJ Barton, Reese McZegle, and Ryan McZegle; and a brother, Kevin (Carlene) Knox of New Haven.

In addition to her parents, Karen was preceded in death by an infant sister, Kimberly Knox.

Karen’s family will be receiving family and friends on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from Noon until 2:00 PM at Life Community Church, 428 S Oak St, Bluffton, IN 46714. Please enter through door #2.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in memory of Karen.

Goodwin – Harnish Funeral Home has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.