Karen A. Staten

Karen Ann (Fain) Staten passed away peacefully Friday June 6, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. Karen was born in Springfield, Ohio on June 7, 1943 to Jerry and Kathleen Fain – the third of four children.

Karen didn’t mess around! She graduated, turned 18 and immediately got married, much to her mother’s dismay, after she had told her to not marry that “no good” sailor! Karen loved being married to that sailor and the many adventures they had, moving every couple of years – never to where they requested but always somewhere they could make a home, friends and raise their children. Being a sailor’s wife meant much of the time Karen was on her own. She was mom, dad, disciplinarian, the cook and chief bottle washer. No one could get a stain out like Karen Ann Staten, nor could they match her sewing skills. In those early years, Mom always said we were dirt poor but we never felt it, she would put those sewing skills to work making clothes for all of us, including Barbie! In her own words, “The Navy was a hard life, but gave us so many wonderful friends, memories and added so much to all our lives. It made us outgoing and accepting of change!”

One thing never changed - Karen’s devotion to God, her faith was strong and she walked the walk, never wavering, always trusting in the Lord. In fact, one of her first missions upon moving was finding the nearest Church of Christ to settle in and become active in the congregation. She participated in ladies Bible study groups, Sunday school teacher and was much loved. Mom always said, “We need to love and praise God every season of our of lives!”

Karen is survived by her three children, Tammy (Randy) Smith, Kevin (Michelle) Staten, Kristina (Scott) Downing, eight grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and siblings; Bob Fain, Barbara McWhorter, and Phillip Fain.

Just so you know Mom, we counted for you, there were 25 of us gathered at your house to comfort one another. Don’t worry, we straightened up before we left!

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Karen’s name to Fort Hill Christian Youth Camp. Online donations can be made at www.forthillcyc.org or by mail to: FHCYC 13500 Fort Hill Road, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133.