Karol Marie Rich

Karol Marie Rich, 71, of New Castle, died Tuesday, Sept. 23 in IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis surrounded by her family.

Born June 13, 1954 in Decatur, Indiana, she was a daughter of the late Paris and Maxine (Keller) Hakes. A 1972 graduate of Adams Central High School in Decatur, she was active in cheerleading. She was a member of 4-H Horse and Pony Club and participated in many contests including barrel racing. At age 15, she also asked Rob Rich, who became the love of her life and husband, to a high school dance.

Following graduation, she worked in Decatur while her future husband attended Purdue University. She was an avid Boilermaker fan. She later moved to West Lafayette after the couple was married on June 5, 1976. She then worked for Shook Real Estate Agency while her husband attended veterinary school at Purdue. Once their sons Justin and Nathan were born, the couple moved to Albion and then to New Castle in 1981.

Once settled in New Castle, her sons were her priority. She was devoted to them and was active in their school activities. When her grandchildren were born, she showed them an overwhelming abundance of love and enjoyed the family calendar she received each year at Christmas.

She found time to help with First United Methodist Church funeral dinners as well as enjoyed card games and Dominos. She enjoyed working in her flower garden and mowing her yard while feeding the wildlife that passed through. Hummingbirds were one of her favorites.

She looked forward to her annual family fishing trips in Canada. She also enjoyed traveling in central and south America with friends. Her most recent trip was on her birthday this year in Alaska when she saw Orcas for the first time.

Karol is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Robert “Rob” K. Rich; sons, Justin E. (Fatima) Rich and Nathan A. (Katie) Rich; grandchildren, Layla, Mia, Ben and Sean Rich; sisters, Karen (Neil) Gerber, Kris (Mike) Geels; sister-in-law, Linda (Ernie) Murcia; a very special friend, Mary Lou Conway and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation be will from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Monday, September 29, 2025 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. Services will be at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 30 at the funeral home with Pastor Roby Wood officiating. Burial will follow at South Mound Cemetery-West Lawn Addition. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, online by Clicking Here or by mail, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, Tennessee 38105. You may express condolences or share a memory of Karol at www.hinsey-brown.com.