Obituary of Karen Sioux Connaughton

Bedford – Karen Sioux Connaughton, 69, of Bedford, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2018 at her residence.

Born September 8, 1948 in Bloomington, she was the daughter of Paul and Dremah “Peachie” (Lusk) Stevens. She attended University High School. Sioux was a free spirit with a big heart, who never met a stranger. Sioux always had one more place at the table or one more spare bed for friends and anyone in need. She truly loved to cook, and found her way to the hearts of many with her wonderful meals. Throughout her life she was a surrogate parent to many young people who needed a friend, and was a good person to know if you needed help with a leaky faucet or some other home repair. Sioux grew up on Lampkins Ridge Road east of Bloomington where her family owned a small farm. She loved working on the farm, tending the animals, and was an avid horsewoman. She had a flair for the dramatic, was a voracious reader, enjoyed writing poetry, and in her later years enjoyed traveling around the US and Europe, most recently spending time in Oxford, UK.

Survivors include sons, Duane Connaughton (Jennifer Young) and Paul Connaughton, all of Bedford; daughters, Jozie Connaughton, of Bedford and Dawn Connaughton Van Sise (Dick Van Sise), of Sterling, VA; grandchildren, Allen Van Sise and Avery Van Sise, both of Sterling, VA and Tor and Gunner Connaughton, both of Bedford; a sister, Paula Lee Stevens Mueller (Alan Mueller), of Seattle, WA; a niece, Angela Crouch, of Seattle, WA; a nephew, Simon Mueller, of Phoenix, AZ. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Sioux will be missed by many, and more dearly by her family. A gathering to celebrate her life will be held from 11:30 am until 2:00 pm on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at the Bedford Eagles Lodge, 1312 ‘J’ Street, Bedford, IN. The family requests that friends consider memorial contributions be made to the charity of one’s choice. Family and friends may express condolences at www.daycarter.com.