Karen Sue (Susie) Lay

Karen Sue (Susie) Lay, age 78, of Indianapolis, IN passed away on February 16th 2026.

Susie was a 1965 graduate of Arlington High School in Indianapolis, IN. She had many positions with Royal Pin, where she ended her career as bookkeeper.

Susie was an active member in the bowling community and was on many leagues during her lifetime. She was a member of the USBC. Susie was also inducted into the Indianapolis WBA Hall of Fame in 1997. Of course, it didn’t stop there, because in 2016 Susie was inducted into the Indiana State WBA Hall of Fame. Her career high average was a 213. Susie participated in 17 Indianapolis Women’s Tournaments winning 6 team events, 2 doubles, and 2 single titles.

If you couldn’t find Susie in the bowling alley, you could find her with cards in her hands. Chances are, she was probably dealt a good hand. From family events to the casino, Susie was competitive in everything she did. She was the first to find her seat at the table when someone mentioned playing cards.

Susie went on many family trips, alongside her partner Barbara. They traveled coast to coast together creating unforgettable memories. Susie also enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, who gifted her the name “Grammy.” Over the past 25 years she took many trips with her grandchildren to Kings Island and Great Wolf Lodge. These trips were something that not only the children looked forward to, but also Grammy and Nana.

Susie is preceded in death by her parents Charles Llewellyn Bohlsen and Dorothy Margaret Smith (Bohlsen); her siblings Charles Eugene Bohlsen and Patricia Ray Wolsiffer (Pat).

Susie will be greatly missed by her partner Barbara Dusenbery (Barb), her daughter Angela Michelle Smith (Lay), her grandchildren Jordin P Cress, Ayden James Cress, and Isabella Rylie Smith (Bella); as well as her great-grandson Amari Jordin Cress (AJ).