Esther Sue Karatz

Esther Sue Karatz born October 20, 1939 departed this life on Tuesday – December 2, 2025 in Lexington, Kentucky being 86-years old. Sue was born in Hazard, Kentucky the daughter of the late David Russell and the late Mabel Hurt Russell. Sue was the oldest of 8 children, 6 girls and 2 boys. Other than her parents, Sue was also preceded in death by her husband, Robert Karatz; brother, Claude Russell; sister & brother-in-law, Carol Smith & Ralph; brother-in-laws, Ronald Estepp & Marvin Combs; niece, Carolyn Sue Santiago.

After Sue graduated from Cordia High School, she traveled by bus to enter business school in Louisville, Kentucky. Sue's professional career included working for Corning Ware, Sue helped move her Aunt Carrie and Uncle Charles Harding to Arizona. Sue fell in love with the climate. She continued her professional career by managing hotels in Phoenix and later owned a hotel. Sue married the love of her life Robert Karatz during this time. Sue and Robert loved to travel, they visited all but one continent. They actively participated in charity events and helped start a tennis school in Israel for youth at risk.

Esther Sue Karatz leaves the following relatives to cherish her memory: Siblings, Thelma Russell of Ohio, Vivian Estepp of Moorefield, West Virginia, Richard Russell & Margaret of Lotts Creek, Blanche Caudill & Bobby of Louisville, KY, Linda Combs of Lotts Creek, and Ruth Slone & Vernon of Lotts Creek; also a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives & friends survive.

A Graveside Service will be held for Esther Sue Karatz on Saturday – December 6, 2025 at 12:00 P.M. at the Russell Family Cemetery located at Lotts Creek, Kentucky with Mark Combs officiating. The Interment will follow the service at the Russell Family Cemetery.

Engle-Bowling Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

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