Karen Ann (Rickards) Shupe

Karen Ann (Rickards) Shupe, age 69, of Shippensburg, and formerly of Mechanicsburg, died on Saturday, August 22, 2026. Karen was born on Tuesday, January 1, 1957, in Nurnberg, Germany to Colonel US Army Ret. Don Rickards and Elsie Mae (Vizenor) Rickards. In addition to her mother Karen is preceded in death by her sister: Linda Marie Evans and a niece, Olivia Cosette Price and a sister-in-law Julie Ann Rickards. 

Karen’s survivors include her husband of 39 years, George Rhodes Shupe; her three children: Justin Shupe and his wife Aven of Dillsburg, PA, Sarah Potts of Moscow, PA, Nathan Potts of Mechanicsburg, Jacob Shupe of Newark, DE; her seven grandchildren: Teagan Shupe, Isaiah Shupe, Penelope Shupe, Dominic Shupe, Tatum Shupe, Adelina Shupe, Judah Potts; and niece and nephews Bella, Matthew, Simon, Nick, Jack, and Ben. and four siblings Susan, Laura, Julie, and James.

Karen graduated from Carlisle High School as part of the class of 1975. Karen retired from IBM after 10 years of service working as a Planning Administrator. She also worked as a manager at Christian Publications. A longtime member of Liberti Church in Camp Hill, she served as a greeter and in various ministries for those struggling with addiction recovery. Karen enjoyed looking at wildflowers and grew them in a patch of her garden at home. She kept her mind sharp by working on puzzles and playing cards or board games with her loved ones. Karen was a doting grandmother and was very involved with her grandchildren. Always making time for bowling, pickleball, or other activities. She cherished her 1 on 1 time with her kids and grandchildren. Karen will be dearly missed by all those who were fortunate enough to have known her.

All are welcome to join Karen’s family at her funeral service on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in Liberti Church, 515 S. 32nd Street, Camp Hill, PA 17011; with Pastor Matthew Looloian officiating.

Karen’s family has entrusted her care to Buhrig Funeral & Cremation in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421. Memorial contributions can be made to Covenant House, (Safe Place to Sleep) or Safe Families-Bethany Christian Services. View her memorial photograph, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign her official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.