Karen Sue Kindig, a beloved educator, devoted wife, and cherished mother, passed away peacefully at the age of 81 on Oct. 11, 2024, surrounded by loved ones.
Born on Jan. 31, 1943, in Madera, California, to parents, Thomas and Pauline Upton. Like her older brother, Larry Upton, Karen was a proud Madera Coyote and graduated from Madera High School, class of 1960. Karen continued her education at Fresno City College and Fresno State University, earning her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development with a minor in psychology. While perusing her degree, she married the love of her life, Harold Kindig, on Aug. 31, 1963.
Her career in education began as a preschool teacher with the Fresno County Head Start program, an Auberry Elementary volunteer, and a teacher’s aide at Auberry Elementary while working towards her degree and teaching credentials. After graduating, Karen joined Fresno Unified School District, where she taught elementary school for two years before becoming a beloved kindergarten teacher at Auberry Elementary. For 20 years, she inspired and guided her students, leaving a lasting impression on the Auberry community before retiring in 2005.
Karen is survived by her devoted husband of 61 years, Harold Kindig, her loving son, Kurt Kindig, her twin daughters, Kelly Sims and Kerry Call, and their spouses. She was a doting grandmother to 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held in the spring of 2025 to honor Karen’s remarkable life and legacy – details will be provided closer to the date. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to your favorite children’s charity in her honor.”