ELKHART - Karen L. Manley, 75, passed away Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at Elkhart General Hospital after a sudden illness. An Elkhart native, she was born on November 27, 1942 to the late Warren and Catherine (Lewis) Kidder. In addition to her parents, a son Richard Warren Manley and brother Gary Kidder preceded her in death. Surviving are her three children, Kathryn "Kit" Manley, Blake (Christina) Manley, Kristin (Tim) Farwig; 6 loving grandchildren,  who called her "grandma pig" for her being an avid pig collector, Matthew Manley, Pamela Manley, Jaki Marini, Kelsey Manley, Zakk Pooler, August Farwig and Meaghen "Maggie" Farwig.

Karen was a 1960 graduate of Elkhart High School. She worked at Miles Laboratories for 18 years, starting as a secretary and finally a production planner, and bowled on the Miles bowling league for years. She then went to work and retired from Damon Corp. Karen was a former member of Bethel United Methodist Church and member of New Hope United Methodist Church where she was the church organist for many years. Her passion was music, her family and collecting pigs. She was a clarinet player with the New Horizons Band and Twin Cities Concert Band.

A gathering of family and friends will be from 4-8 pm. Thursday, March 29, at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St. Elkhart. There will also be 1 hour of calling prior to the 11:00 am. Celebration of life service for Karen on Friday, March 30, also at Billings Funeral Home. Pastor Steve Loft will officiate. Per her wishes, cremation will follow the service. The family kindly request memorial donations to SIDS Center of Indiana or New Horizons Band. Condolences may be sent to Karen's family at www.billingsfuneralhome.com