Kari Jane Skeens

Kari Jane Skeens, age 36 of South Bend, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 12, 2018 surrounded by her family and friends. She is now home with Jesus after a tough fought battle with melanoma.   Kari was born March 12, 1982 in South Bend, Indiana.

Surviving are her parents, Dennis and Jane Skeens of South Bend, and her brother Brad Skeens and his wife Leslie of South Bend.  Surviving as well are her nephews Aidan, Liam, Ian Michael, & Shepard, and her niece Ella. She is also survived by her special friend of twenty-one years Trisha, which she considered to be her sister.   Surviving as well is her extended family; Uncle Mark Knott and his fiancé Tamara Reynolds and her cousins Mark II and Leah, her Uncle Kevin and Aunt Lynn Keller and her cousins Crissy & Rob Glantz and their children Hudson and Kensley, Kevin Keller II and his wife Aynsley and their children Deklan and Miles and Jason and Bryce McNamera.  She was preceded in death by her grandparents Alva and Helen Skeens, Dempsey and Christine Knott, and her aunt Alveta (Dan) McNamara.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 pm Sunday, December 16, 2018 at the Ireland Road Church of God, 16555 East Ireland Road, Mishawaka, Indiana 46544.  There will also be one hour of visitation prior to the 11am funeral service at the Ireland Road Church of God on Monday, December 17, 2018. 

Kari’s Church, the Ireland Road Church of God, was an integral part of her life.  She participated in the Youth Group, volunteered in the nursery and Children’s Church, the Ladies ministry and worship and song. 

She was loved by her many friends, especially Shannon and Shanda, whom she considered sisters from the Special Olympics, which she was a part of for twenty-five years.  She loved to play her piano & enjoyed her lessons with Mr. Robinson, her piano teacher for over twelve years.  She recently was involved with music therapy where she wrote music and played & sang songs.  Kari loved her pony, doing arts and crafts, baking and reading books.

In her memory, donations may be made to the Special Olympics of St. Joseph County PO Box 643, Mishawaka, Indiana 46546-0643.  To share a memory of Kari, light a virtual candle, or view her online video tribute, please follow the links provided on the Tribute Wall tab above. 

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