Karen Sue Barcus

Karen Sue Ludwig-Barcus, age 57, of New Philadelphia, died Saturday evening, July 18, 2009, in her home surrounded by her loving family following a five month battle with cancer.Born at Coshocton on October 31, 1951, Karen was a daughter of the late Billy J. and Fern M. (Waller) Ludwig. A graduate of Newcomerstown High School, Karen continued her formal education at Kent State where she studied to become a nurse’s aid. For more than thirty years Karen would continue her path in the health care field spending many of those years caring for patients at Park Village Health Care Center at Dover. On July 24, 1976, Karen married Jason M. Barcus; together the couple would rear two daughters and share more than twenty-five years of marriage prior to Jason’s passing in February of 2002.Those who knew Karen knew her to be a person who gave of herself in any way she could. She had a big heart and enjoyed sharing it with others. Karen was always willing to lend a hand when called upon to do so. It was her nature to help anyone in need. She expressed that very nature to hundreds of students who knew her as “Mrs. Barcus” or “Mom” as she spent eight years as a devoted supporter of the New Philadelphia Marching Quakers, Karen was charged with the task of caring for the band’s uniforms. Countless hours were spent every week making sure that each uniform was prepared as the band embarked on their journeys. Karen was usually the first to arrive and would begin to set out gloves, socks, hats and numerous other items that the students needed; when the day was complete, it was she who was also the last to go home. In her spare time, Karen loved the comfort of a good book. She also enjoyed working on various sewing, crocheting and knitting projects. Karen also found great joy in a once in a lifetime trip she had taken to the Caribbean. Karen leaves behind a loving family that includes two daughters, Katie Barcus and her companion, Eric Christner of Strasburg and Kristen Barcus of New Philadelphia; a son, Toby (Robyn) Stephen of Fruita, Colorado; a sister, Lynn (Dan) Davis of West Lafayette, Ohio; and a brother, William (Connie) Ludwig of Fresno, Ohio.Three grandchildren, Brionna Christner, Connor Kennedy, and Arika Stephen; a niece, Jennifer (Dan) Jovanovic of Huston, Texas, and a great-niece, Madeline Jovanovic completes the family.In addition to her parents, and husband, Karen was preceded in death by both her maternal and paternal grandparents.The family will receive friends in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory on Tuesday, July 21, 2009, from 5:00 â?? 8:00 PM. Pastor Brian Flood will lead a service honoring Karen’s life in the funeral home’s chapel on Wednesday, July 22, 2009, at 2:00 PM. Immediately following the service the family would like to invite guests to join them in the Geib Family Center where a meal and fellowship will be shared.Because Karen was a care giver and received special care and attention in her last days with us, the family requests that memorial contributions for the continual care of others be made to Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 West 3rd Street, Dover, Ohio 44622.