Karen R. (Eckhart) Lawson

Karen R. (Eckhart) Lawson passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones this morning, Tuesday, March 17th, 2026, at her home.

Karen was born on December 8th, 1948, in Toledo, Ohio, to Ivan and Jessie Eckhart. She and her husband, Al, loved to travel, taking their camper all over the United States.

Karen was a faithful believer of the 7th Day Adventists Church, and she believed with all her heart and mind that Jesus Christ has a new Home and body prepared for her in Heaven. Her faith was evident throughout her life with her many passions. Karen “adopted” many nieces, nephews, and family friends as her children, always teaching us God’s Glory through gardening, cooking, and reading to us from the Bible.

She was a master gardener for over 20 years, her garden was always vibrant and full of life. She would always be willing to cook, or prepare for any occasion. Even with her own limitations, she was willing to go the extra mile for anyone.

Karen is survived by her husband, Allen Lawson; her daughter, Connie Bertsch; 7 siblings, Margaret (Dale) Lockwood, Darlene (Jay) Bowman, Jackie (Bill) Alberding, Elaine (Tom) Hall, Tim (Donna) Eckhart, Joe (Deb) Eckhart, and Patti Smeal.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ivan and Jessie Eckhart; her daughter, Mary Crull; 2 brothers, Charles (Sue) Eckhart and Bernard Terry Eckhart; a sister, Roberta (Rob) Witte.

While our hearts mourn the loss of her presence here on earth, we rejoice in the knowledge that she has been made perfect through Jesus now.

A Funeral Service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, March 23, 2026, at Haggard-Hirschy & Zelt Funeral Home, with visitation prior to the service from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Rev. Alan Crull will be officiating. Burial will follow in Decatur Cemetery.

Arrangements are entrusted to Haggard-Hirschy & Zelt Funeral Home.

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