Karen L. (Novak, Rose) Bensonhaver, 74, passed away on July 19, 2023 at home. She was the wife of Bob Bensonhaver. They shared 38 years of marriage. Born in Hammond, IN, Karen was the biological daughter of Jennie (Pigg) Novak and Bob Novak. Upon the death of her mother at age eight Karen and her baby sister Larissa were adopted by Ishmael and Ivory Rose, who became nothing less than wonderful and devoted parents to the girls. Karen graduated high school at Beaver Eastern in 1966 and college from Morehead State University in 1971. After graduating college Karen spent nearly 40 years at Circleville High School in the library and classrooms. Karen loved her students and would go above and beyond to assist them in their struggles. Innumerable students were recipients of something as quick as a word of encouragement to something as major as a place to be safe or monetary assistance and more. Karen loved her community and was always looking for ways to give back to the beloved residents and students of Circleville, Pickaway County and beyond. Karen was active at her church, Good Shepherd United Methodist, as the vice president of Women of Grace and chair of the Blessing Box committee. She always wanted the box in front of the church to have something for everyone in need. She put her heart and soul into every group she joined. She was an active member of the Pickaway County Democratic party and served on the Board of Elections for many years. She was passionate about women educators and greatly enjoyed her time in the Delta Kappa Gamma Society. Karen was an avid crafter and for the past several years enjoyed Friday night craft sessions with her goddaughter Carla Maring. Rubber stamping and card making were her crafting love and she shared her talent with many stampers. Karen is preceded in death by her biological mother, Jennie (Pigg) Novak and Bob/Alma Novak; her adoptive parents Ishmael and Ivory Rose; mother-in-law Betty Fritchen; father-in-law Bill Bensonhaver; her beloved grandparents and very special furry kids Rusy, Newman, Tiki, Mason and Roxy. Karen is survived by her husband Bob Bensonhaver and loyal pups Sully and Rascal; sister Larissa/Charlie Blackledge, nephew Ryan/Laura Blackledge; Nephew Cory/Nick Blackledge; great niece Paige and great nephew Graham; stepmother-in-law Ginny Boerstler, sister-in-law Beverly Bynum; foster son Wendel/Lisa Crosby and goddaughter Carla/Bob Maring. Karen had many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends who were very dear to her. Calling hours will be from 1pm to 4pm on Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church. The funeral service will follow at 4pm at the church. A meal in Karen’s honor will be served at the church following the service. Karen was passionate about her church family, former as well as future students and rescuing pets in need of love. Donations in Karen’s honor can be made to D.A.S.H Animal Rescue https://dashrescue.rescuegroups.org or Good Shepherd United Methodist Church at 310 E Main St, Circleville, OH 43113. A scholarship is being created for a Circleville High School senior who will be the first member of their immediate family to attend college. Make donations to the Karen Bensonhaver Scholarship in care of Good Shepherd United Methodist Church. Online condolences can be made to www.wellmanfuneralhomes.com.
