Karen E. Diggs

Karen Diggs, of Peoria, AZ, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 26th at the age of 74. She was predeceased by her younger sister (Karol Leavitt) and parents (Kenneth and Shirley Rumple). She is survived by her eldest sister: Kathy Sollenberger (Mark); two nieces: Kelly Engel (Kyle) and Kara Glaser (Ryan); two nephews: Kris Sollenberger (Autumn) and Kory Leavitt (Jessica); five grand-nephews; and one grand-niece.

Karen Elizabeth Rumple was born on October 30th, 1949 in Bloomington, Indiana, where she was raised alongside her sisters. She graduated from Indiana University with a B.A. in Business, and moved to Scottsdale as a young adult. She joined her sister, Kathy, who had recently moved there, and was eventually joined geographically by her mom, Shirley, and her sister, Karol. Karen was instrumental in the introduction of Kathy to her husband, Mark. Over the years, she attracted many lifelong friends and was able to significantly participate in the lives of her sisters' growing families. All of her nieces and nephews undoubtedly considered her the “favorite” aunt. While in Scottsdale, she was married to Nick Diggs for several years in the late ‘90s and early ‘00s. Karen’s mental health declined in her middle age, and ultimately she and her family (along with many skilled caregivers and loving, supportive friends) spent time helping her manage her life. She was ultimately diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and was recently under full-time care at Fairmont Village in Peoria.

Karen will be remembered for her wry sense of humor, flair for a colorful life and home, beautiful long hair, over-the-top Christmas tree decor, love of cats, and unforgettable laugh, among countless other lively and lovely attributes. Her friends and family will be celebrating her life on Saturday, December 16th, from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm at Messinger Mortuary in Scottsdale (7601 E. Indian School Road), and all will thereafter be able to visit her final resting place at Paradise Memorial Gardens.