Karen Brooks (Hodges) (Professional troublemaker. Community legend. Parrot Head forever.)

Karen Brooks (Hodges), 65, beloved wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, nurse, and proud Parrot Head, passed away on January 21, 2026. Born in Evansville, Indiana, and a resident of Jennings County for the last 17 years, Karen didn't just live in her community… she ran casual emotional background checks on it and adopted most of it as family.

Karen had a gift for turning ordinary moments into lasting memories. If you ever wandered into the North Vernon Senior Center on a Wednesday, you could potentially find Karen at bingo. Not quietly, not subtly, but joyfully, competitively, and with a lot of commentary. She was equally at home in Seymour and North Vernon, supporting small businesses like it was her personal mission from the universe, with both her wallet andher voice. To so many in the community, Karen wasn't just a familiar face, she was the kind, quick-witted woman who handed out earrings, bought the gluten-free bakery item, picked up the local art piece, and came back the next week remembering your story and asking about your kids by name. Karen never met a stranger, only friends she hadn't collected yet. She was always eager to lift others up, spread the word, and celebrate creativity wherever she found it.

She had a big personality, a quicker wit, and led a highly respected trivia dynasty known as Karen's Posse, because obviously it had to be called that. She was brilliant, bold, and absolutely correct in most arguments, (and gracious enough to let you believe you even had a chance).

Karen loved fiercely and fought harder. She offered love with humor, strength with compassion, and loyalty without hesitation. She stood up for her people, her beliefs, and herself, and she did it all with intelligence, heart, and the power of genuine relationships.

If you were hers, you knew it. If you needed backup, she was already halfway there with snacks, sarcasm, and a plan. She had the rare talent of making things happen, by dedicated persistence, by building, connecting, persuading, and occasionally intimidating with kindness and determination.

Animals held a sacred place in her heart, especially her dogs, who accompanied her everywhere they were allowed… and probably some places they technically weren't.

Rules were flexible when love was involved.

She was preceded in death by the man, the myth, the legend, the songbird… Bert Andersen, Pepaw, Butros.

She leaves behind her beloved husband, Buck Brooks, whom she admired, adored, and probably bossed around just enough to keep things interesting; her mother, AnnAndersen, whom she loved with unwavering devotion; her son, Kolton Norton (Samantha), with Kolton, whose music and entire existence she proudly hyped at every opportunity, and Sam who's creativity she supported, and loved her like she was her own; her daughter, Kalee Norton, her shopping partner and built in best friend, whom she loved and cherished beyond measure; and her grandson, Conan Forrester, the proud recipient of copious amounts of spoiling.

She is survived by her sisters, Debra Peters (Mark), with Debra being her close confidant, built-in sounding board, and her favorite person to lovingly argue with, and Mark, happily eating his cooking and playful bullying each other, and Julie Clingan (Dave), with Julie the smart, fun, and adventurous one she loved to laugh with and explore with, and Dave, her perfectly matched opponent for witty banter and the occasional passionately heated discussion about facts, details, and who was actually right. Proof that lifelong sisterhood is made of equal parts bickering, loyalty, and a love so deep you still show up for each other without question She is survived by her nephew, Dylan Peters, evidence that whether the milkshakes were flying or life was just being its usual kind of wild, family was still family, love was still love, and Karen was still right there in the middle of it, laughing and showing up anyway. She is also survived by her uncle, Joe Rider, a Memorial High School Athlete Hall of Fame inductee and a respected football official and referee.

She is survived by her sisters-in-law, Barb Applewhite (Erik), with Barb being a literal angel on earth and Erik her favorite partner in playful bickering, their banter a sport and an ongoing comedy tour, and Corinnia Bryant (Randy), whose handmade gifts, legendary sloppy joes, and absolutely-not-optional deviled eggs were cherished and requested often, sometimes aggressively. She is survived by her grandson, Brooks Schleter, whom Karen grew a special bond with over the years, impressed with what a hardworking man he has grown to be. She is also survived by her niece, Winter Applewhite (Michael), whom she was incredibly proud of and loved dearly, and for whom she made sure the corn pudding was always ready. She is survived by Julie Miller (Rick), mother-in-law to Winter, with whom she developed a close and loving friendship with. They could often be found cackling in the corner at family get-togethers.

She is survived by her best friend, Gail Daunhauer, whom she loved unconditionally and fiercely, her partner in talking smack (with affection, mostly), spontaneous adventures, and regular missions to get their toes done. Because friendship, according to Karen, should always include laughter, loyalty, and a fresh pedicure.

Lastly, she is survived by a wide, loyal circle of extended family and chosen family who

knew that once Karen loved you, you were stuck with her, in the best possible way. To her community, Karen was the woman who remembered your story, asked the follow-up questions, showed up again, and actually cared about the answers. She wasgenerous, protective, wildly funny, passionately loyal, and unafraid to say what needed to be said, usually with excellent timing, interesting commentary, and a grin that told you she already knew she was right.

Her absence will be felt in bingo halls, small shops, trivia nights, and all the little places where laughter used to show up wearing Karen's face. The world will be much quieter without her, and frankly, a little less funny.

If you knew her, you loved her. If you loved her, you were loved by her loudly. And if you were lucky, you were part of her posse.

Fins up, Karen. The party's louder now, wherever you are.

No formal services are scheduled at this time. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date.