Martha Karen (Rickenbaugh) Pennington, 88, of Spencer County, passed away peacefully on November 21, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.
Born on October 23, 1937, to Stanley and Rebecca (Esarey) Rickenbaugh, Karen lived a life marked by faith, service, and deep devotion to the people she loved.
On April 16, 1955, she married the love of her life, Darrell Ray Pennington, and together they shared 63 wonderful years before his passing in 2018. Their marriage was a testimony to commitment, partnership, and unwavering love.
Karen was preceded in death by her beloved husband Darrell; her parents; her sister, Thanna Smith; and one grandson, Michael Pennington.
She is survived by her three children who were the joys of her life, David (Lori) Pennington, Ellen (Steve) Clark and Steven (Gina) Pennington.
She leaves behind eight cherished grandchildren, Katie Stern, Mathew (Lisa) Pennington, Audrey (Brad) Anderson, Andrew Pennington, Zachary (Mari Lyn) Clark, Cassie (Jerron) Miller, Haylee (John) Bell and Jessica (Koltin) Ellis; as well as 25 great-grandchildren; one loving brother, Robert Rickenbaugh; and many nieces and nephews who adored her.
Karen loved Jesus with her whole heart and lived her faith daily—in the way she served, the way she gave, and the way she cared for others. She delighted in the simple joys of life: playing cards, reading, building puzzles, traveling with her family, collecting Santa Clauses, attending Christmas Eve services, and gathering her loved ones for large family get-togethers. Some of her happiest moments were spent on the family farm, surrounded by the people she cherished most.
A dedicated public servant, Karen served as a Spencer County Commissioner for 12 years, where she worked tirelessly for the betterment of her community. She was honored with the Sagamore of the Wabash Award, one of Indiana’s highest distinctions. She also served as President of the Indiana Association of Commissioners, earning admiration across the state for her leadership, integrity and commitment. Though she was a proud and avid Democrat, Karen served all people of Spencer County with fairness, kindness and an open heart.
To know Karen was to know compassion. Her heart was rare, her generosity unmatched, and her love for her family unparalleled. Her legacy of service, faith, and love will live on through the countless lives she touched.
Her family rejoices in knowing she is now reunited with those who went before her, and they take comfort in the promise they will see her again.
Services for Karen were held on Tuesday, November 25 at Boultinghouse Funeral Home with Pastor Steve Bennett officiating. Burial followed at St. Johns UCC Cemetery in Lamar.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in honor of Karen to the St. John’s UCC Cemetery.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.BoultinghouseFuneralHome.com.
 Pennington, 88, of Spencer County, passed away peacefully on November 21, 2025, surrounded by...){kind=link}