Karen Sue Tipton, 78, of Portsmouth, passed away on Monday, November 17, 2025, at her home. She was born on January 1, 1947, in Springfield, IL, to the late Daniel Joseph and Mary Roberta Teefey Bordenkircher.
A graduate of the former Bishop Machebeuf Catholic High School in Denver, CO, she attended the University of Northern Colorado. Karen was also a member of the St. Mary Campus of St. John Paul II Catholic Church, Scioto Catholic Parish.
She worked for many years as the executive secretary to the superintendent at the Portsmouth State Farm Claims Office, and then at SOMC as a billing specialist. Karen also enjoyed playing cards with friends and reading in her free time.
She married Rusty Lee Tipton on December 2, 1997, in Gatlinburg, TN. The couple had been married for 26 years when he passed away on January 28, 2024.
Surviving are her daughter and son-in-law, Kristin S. and Bryan Sparks of Portsmouth; and four grandchildren, Braeden, Grant, Dominic and Gwen Sparks.
Karen was also preceded in death by her brother, Daniel Francis Bordenkircher, an infant brother; and a granddaughter, Hope Virginia Sparks.
At her request, there are to be no services.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home in Portsmouth.
Contributions in Karen’s memory may be made to Scioto Catholic at sciotocatholic.org.
