Mrs. Karla Ann Schwartz, 66, of Elkhart, Indiana, passed away peacefully in the loving embrace of her home, surrounded by her family, in the early hours of Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 2:17 a.m., following a fierce and fearless battle with cancer. True to her nature, she faced her illness with the same grit, humor, and grace that she brought to every chapter of her life.

Born in Dayton, Ohio on October 17, 1958, Karla was the proud daughter of the late Karl and Treva E. (Head) Sams. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Harry "Bo" Sams, and sisters, Shirley Lynch and Beverly Stockton — all of whom she held close in heart and memory. On March 23, 2012, Karla married the love of her life and faithful companion, Jeffrey Lee Schwartz, who survives at home and who stood by her side with strength, tenderness, and devotion through every trial and triumph.

Karla's legacy continues through her beloved children, Andrew (Daryk) Coen of Huber Heights, Ohio and Stephanie A. (Ryan) Sirois of Dayton, Ohio; her dear sisters Pamela (Ray) Miller of Gillett, Wisconsin and Alice Kitanoski of Elkhart; and her adoring grandchildren Gavin, Mindy, Emma, and Kelsey Harrington, and Nikola Coen, who brought endless pride and joy into her life. She was further blessed with great-granddaughters Olivia and Oaklynn Harrington, who added sparkle to her later years. Karla's love also extended deeply to a wide circle of extended family, cherished friends, and the countless emergency responders, military veterans, and volunteers who came to know and admire her through decades of service and heartfelt connection.

And of course, life at Karla's house was never boring, thanks in part to her beloved pets — her fiercely loyal Chihuahua Noel, the gentle giant grand dog Annabelle the Great Dane, and the infamous, irrepressible orange tabby, Odie, (aka the "F*k#g Cat"),  a "streak of greased lightning" who proudly kept the household on its toes and the dogs in line.

Though Karla held various positions throughout her life, including years in the production lines of the RV industry, her true calling was never a job — it was a mission. Karla lived her life as a civilian soldier of sorts, waging a tireless campaign of gratitude, respect, and unwavering support for America's veterans, active duty personnel, and first responders. Hers was a patriot's heart, beating boldly for the red, white, and blue. Though not a veteran herself, she embodied the very spirit of service.

Karla's patriotism wasn't just words — it was action. A familiar and respected figure in veteran circles across northern Indiana and southern Michigan, Karla maintained active auxiliary memberships in several area posts of the DAV, VFW, and American Legion. She was instrumental in organizing, promoting, and participating in memorial ceremonies, benefit rides, tributes, and parades, including her proudest moment: serving as Grand Marshal of the Elkhart Memorial Day Parade in 2023. Wherever a flag flew, Karla stood ready to honor it. Wherever a veteran needed help, Karla was there. She offered compassion without condition and support without pause — a force of nature wrapped in stars and stripes.

A true matriarch, Karla was a devoted wife, a fiercely loving mother and grandmother, a supportive sister, and a fiercely loyal friend. Her laughter was infectious, her hugs unforgettable, and her advice — often unsolicited — usually spot on. She loved life's joyful noise: rollercoasters, especially those at King's Island and Cedar Point; Margaritas on the beach, with Jimmy Buffett crooning in the background; and any moment she could spend with her family, especially those grandbabies who were her pride and joy.

Cremation has been entrusted to Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart. In tribute to Karla's devotion to our nation's heroes, a memorial gathering will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., concluding with a formal Pass and Review conducted by the Elkhart Area Marine Corps League #1397 at 2:00 p.m. This ceremonial honor — typically reserved for veterans — has been granted in acknowledgment of Karla's extraordinary commitment to their cause, and the deep respect she earned within that brotherhood.

To those who knew her, Karla was more than a woman — she was a movement. A legacy. A firebrand of patriotism, generosity, and community spirit. And though her battle with cancer has ended, her mission lives on in every flag raised, every veteran honored, and every act of kindness passed forward in her name.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Elkhart Marine Corps League #1397, PO Box 2679, Elkhart, Indiana 46515 — a cause that held Karla's heart, and which will now carry her memory forward.