KAREN MACHELLE CHRISTOPHER, 71, of Fort Wayne, passed away on Sunday, April 18, 2021, in Fort Wayne. Born in Fort Wayne, she was a member of Trinity English Lutheran Church. She graduated from South Side High School and Indiana University, Fort Wayne, with a degree in Education. She taught first and third grades for 40 plus years at Leo Elementary and Cedarville Elementary, retiring in 2013. She enjoyed watching the Hoosiers, STL Cardinals, STL Blues, along with playing cards with her special friends. She loved being surrounded by family and friends and will be greatly missed. She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Michael of Fort Wayne; children, Chad of Kailua, Hawaii, Stacy of Fort Wayne and Kevin of Kailua, Hawaii; grandchild, Carter Young; sister, Barbara (David) Gifford of Town and Country, Mo.; nephews, Patrick (Jodi) and Matthew (Emily); and great nieces and great nephews, Paige, Jason, Jamison, Maxwell and Megan Gifford. She was preceded in death by her father, Robert "Ned" Bussard; and mother, Mildred Bussard. Memorial Service is 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 5, 2021, at Advantage Highland Park, 2403 E. Wallen Road, Fort Wayne, with calling two hours prior. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana or Cedarville Elementary. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.advantagehighlandpark.com