Karen Diane Beeninga

Karen was born January 17, 1954, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, raised in Littleton, Colorado, graduated from Arapahoe High School in 1972, and attended Adams State College in Alamosa, CO, where she met her future husband.

She was married to Randy O. Beeninga of Greensboro, NC, on August 30, 1975, at South Suburban Christian Church, Littleton, Colorado, who survives. They made their home in the Greensboro, NC area for 49.5 years.

Karen had a love and talent for music, from singing rounds (and giggling) in the back seat as the Christensen girls with momma and daddy, to performing in high school musicals and acting in plays at Adam’s State. She was a gifted pianist and taught young students during her high school years. Karen loved the mountains, hiking and climbing, and will always be remembered for singing a family favorite: “I love the mountains, I love the rolling hills…” Karen was a Christ follower and never missed an opportunity to ask others if they knew Jesus. She had a servant heart and was known by friends and neighbors for her willing helpfulness, bringing food and caring for their pets. She derived great joy from the companionship of many fur babies over the years, and leaves behind her beloved border collies Amelia and Helena, and kitty Piper.

Karen worked in the family auto repair business, doing books for Der Wagen Haus and Foreign Accents, over the years as needed. She was famous in the family for having an incredible memory for events long past, just like her father.

Karen was preceded in death by her father, David Jean Christensen, of Littleton, Colorado. She is survived by her mother, Donna June (Johnson) Christensen-Reeves of New Hartford, NY.

Karen is survived by her sisters Cindy (Michael) Stirling of Harrisburg, PA, and Cathy (Jeff) Thompson of Katy, TX.

She is survived by nieces and nephews Joshua Stirling of Dallas, TX, Beth (Louis) Chang of Bethesda, MD, Ben (Edwine) Stirling of Hunt Valley, MD, and Joseph (Amy) Stirling of Harrisburg, PA; Sara (Josh) Davis of Pearland, TX, Adrienne (David) Schmoyer of Rogers, MN, and Dan (Michelle) Thompson of Yorktown, VA; as well as grandnieces and grandnephews Alice & Jane Stirling; Isabel & Lucas Chang; Dinah, Jacob, Jessica, Molly, & Maya Stirling; Levi, Nathan & Violet Stirling; Kaleb, Colton & Kaitlyn Davis; Noah, Addison, Bria, Jude & Aaron Schmoyer; Joy and Molly Thompson. Karen took her role as an aunt very seriously and was known for praying for each of these nieces and nephews and grands by name, every morning, which is why each one is listed by name here.

Karen is also survived by her in-laws Scott (Rose) Beeninga of Greensboro, NC, and niece and nephews Tucker, Toy, Trent, Timber, Trevor, and Molly Tate.

Karen was a wonderful daughter, sister, and wife. She had a caring and loving personality. Those of us who lived far away cherished her long phone calls and will miss her terribly. Her goodness will live on.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Samaritan’s Purse.