Karen Struble

Karen Struble, age 76, of Carleton, Michigan, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 9, 2026. She was a cherished mother, grandmother, teacher, musician, gardener, and friend who brought heart, wit, faith, and a memorable touch of feistiness to everything she did.

For 37 years, Karen taught music and then sixth-grade math at North Middle School in Belleville, shaping generations of students with patience and clarity. Even while undergoing chemotherapy, she continued tutoring, finding joy in helping young minds understand both numbers and life. Music remained her lifelong passion; she served as music director and organist at Willow United Methodist Church for 55 years, filling the sanctuary with hymns that touched countless hearts. She hoped until the end to return to playing the piano on Sundays.

Away from the classroom and the church, Karen enjoyed many years in her ladies’ golf league, bowling, playing cards on Wednesday nights, and the camaraderie of the Carleton VFW Auxiliary. She took great pride in her garden and her kitchen, where she spent happy hours canning fruits and vegetables, proudly sharing pictures of her well-stocked pantry. A devoted fan of the Detroit Lions, Tigers, and Michigan State University, she rarely missed a game and often declared that Sundays were for Jesus and football.

Above all, Karen was the loving center of her family. She adored her daughters and granddaughters, always looking for ways to brighten their days and ease their burdens. She is survived by her daughters, Julie Hammill (Jamie) and Lauren Makley (Nick); stepdaughter, Dawn Cook (Tim LaFlair); grandchildren, Gabby Tilley, Olivia Tilley, Tayah Hammill, Brady Makley, and Chase Makley; and siblings, Kay Villa (Bill), Rick Vandecar (Julie), and Dan Vandecar (Amy). She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Struble; her parents, Leland and Cora Vandecar; her sister, Karla Clark; and her grandmother, Fanny Vandecar. Her spirit will live on in every song, every jar of preserves, every blooming flower, and every moment of laughter shared by those who loved her.