Karen Louise Stein

Karen Louise Stein, age 77, of Dover, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, December 15, 2024. She had courageously battled numerous health issues for years. In true Karen fashion, she was stubborn and survived much longer than any doctor expected.

Karen was Born January 26, 1947, in Dover, the daughter of the late John and Roberta (Waldron) VonAllmen. She grew up in Dover where she made lifelong friendships and graduated from Dover High School in 1965. Karen went on to attend both Capital University in Columbus and Kent State University. She married Robert L. “Bobb” Stein on November 25, 1967, a few days after he returned from serving in Vietnam. Karen became an Army wife, living on bases in Kansas, California, Germany and North Carolina. Karen gave birth to the couple’s three sons during Bobb’s service time, and the town of Herndon, Virginia, became home for 26 years. She raised her boys in Herndon, contributed her time and talent to the community and made many friends there.

Karen was employed by Fairfax County (Virginia) Public Schools, and was especially proud of her time as a guidance secretary and cheerleading coach for Herndon High School - having taken her cheerleaders to the Virginia state cheerleading championship. She retired in 2003, and she and Bobb moved back to Dover. Unfortunately, Karen’s health was not the best in retirement, but she was blessed to be “Memaw” to her five grandchildren whom she loved to spoil and spend time with.

She will be dearly missed by her husband, Bobb, of 57 years; her sons, Mark (Melissa) Stein of Elizabeth, Colorado, Matt (Sarah) Stein of Herndon, and T.J. (Sonia) Stein of Great Falls, Virginia; her beloved grandchildren, Addison, Audrey, Charlotte, Mason and Taj; her brother, David (Linda) VonAllmen; her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews, who were all very special to Karen.

Besides her parents, Karen was preceded in death by her brother and sister-in-law, James and Elaine VonAllmen, and her brother-in-law, Ray Stein.

Honoring Karen’s wishes, she will be cremated and there will be no ceremony. Because Karen was such a kind person, her family hopes that those who knew her will perform small acts of kindness in her memory, and let their own family and friends know that they are loved.

Karen was able to enjoy her last days at home through the incredible care provided by Crossroads Hospice, and that of a special nurse from Karen’s nursing home stay who became like family, Ashley - a true angel. Thank You All So Very Much.

Instead of flowers, contributions in Karen’s memory may be made to Crossroads Hospice, 3743 Boettler Oaks Dr., Ste. E, Uniontown, Ohio 44685, or Herndon Sports Boosters, http://www.memberplanet.com/campaign/herndonsportsboosters/karenstein.