Karen Sue Fullerton, 61, of Toronto, OH, passed away Wednesday, September 23, 2026, in the WVU Wheeling Hospital in Wheeling, WV.

Karen was born September 10, 1965, in Burbank, CA, daughter of the late Richard and Mary Ann (Straka) VanKirk.

Karen was a Baptist and attended First Baptist Church of Steubenville, OH. She enjoyed scratch-offs, slot machines, fishing, camping, trips to the Smoky Mountains, and spending time with Wilbur at Barkcamp State Park in Belmont County. Above all, she cherished her grandchildren and family.

Karen was also preceded in death by her husband, Eugene “Buddy” Fullerton (2003), grandson Timothy VanKirk (2001), granddaughter Kimberly Faith VanKirk (2009), daughter in law Tammy VanKirk (2020), and niece Angela VanKirk (2011).

Karen leaves behind her son, Tim VanKirk and fiancé Elizabth Thackston of Dillonvale, OH; her fiancé Wilbur Elerick, who she has been with for the past 14 years, of Toronto; granddaughters, Breanna VanKirk of Georgia, Angela and Serena VanKirk of Toronto, and Sierra Thackston of Dillonvale, and great-grandson Braxton VanKirk; three sisters, Christine VanKirk of Wintersville, Sue VanKirk and Sandra Wyatt, both of Steubenville; James Bone, who was like a second son to her, of Georgia; several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews, and her dogs, Dutchess, Sadie and Zoey, whom she loved so much.

Family and friends will be received on Sunday, Sept. 27 from 2 to 5 pm at the J.E. Foster Funeral Home in Toronto, where her funeral service will follow at 5 pm led by Dr. Lawrence Kimball.

Memorial donations may be made to Karen’s family via our website @ www.jefosterfh.com.