Karen Ann Runyon (Kevelder), of Thornville, Ohio passed away suddenly at home on Monday, August 25, 2026, at the age of 73 years old. Born on August 20, 1953, in Columbus, Ohio to Marlane McMonigal of Altoona, Pennsylvania. Karen was raised as an only child to her adopted parents, Arthur and Beatrice "Marie" Kevelder. During her childhood on the south end of Columbus, Karen enjoyed spending her summers riding her bike with friends, swimming at the local pool, roller skating and going to the movies. She also looked forward to going shopping in downtown Columbus and grabbing lunch at Woolworth's lunch counter.

In 1974, at the age of 21, Karen began her 31-year career with South-Western City Schools as a school bus driver. She retired in 2005. Karen spent a couple of years living in Springhill, Florida after she retired before returning to Ohio permanently in 2007. Karen enjoyed having family around her, playing card games like Euchre, spending time with loved ones Boating on Buckeye Lake and holding fond memories of traveling on cruises with her group of friends. Karen liked visiting craft shows, keeping up on her children's and grandchildren's hobbies and interests but above all the things mentioned, Karen's life ultimately revolved around her children and grandchildren.

Karen is preceded in death by her adopted parents, Arthur (1986) and Beatrice "Marie" Kevelder (2000), Grandchildren, Roman E.L Washington (2007), Jared Goddard (2019), Wyatt Allen McCormick (2019), and Malachi Washington (2020). She is survived by her four children, Tina McMann of Ashville, Tamara Stai of Lancaster, James Goddard (Michelle Riffle) of Harrisburg and Brandy (Bryan) Swickard of Thornville. Left to cherish her memory are her grandchildren, Cole (Lauryn) McCormick of Ashville, Ashley Goddard of Lancaster, Nick (Kamerin) Cruz of Wahiawa, Hawaii, Jade Goddard of Columbus, Chandler Goddard of Columbus, Jesse Goddard of Columbus, BraJon Washington of Thornville and Urijah Washington of Thornville as well as her "bonus" grandchildren, Ryleigh and Mason Swickard. Her Great-Grandchildren include Maverick and Brayden McCormick, BriElla "Bella" Pereyra, Xavier Goddard, Caden Goddard, Dominick Cruz and Elijah Webb. Karen is also survived by her sister Renee (Victor) Eaton of Maryland and Gene (Dorene) Clapper of Pennsylvania as well as by her faithful companion, her dog Luna.

The family will receive family, friends and loved ones on Sunday, August 30, 2026, beginning at 1 p.m. until the funeral service at 5 p.m. at GRAUMLICH FUNERAL HOME, 1351 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43207.

To sign the online guest book and leave a condolence for Karen's family please visit www.graumlichfuneralhome.com