Karen M. Whitman

April 6, 1945 - April 10, 2022

Karen M. Whitman, age 77 of Cincinnati, Ohio, formerly of Monroe, passed away Sunday, April 10, 2022 at Hospice of Cincinnati – College Hill. Karen was born April 6, 1945 in Monroe. She was the daughter of Gerrit and Leola (Lazette) Balk. She was a 1963 graduate of Monroe High School. She raised 3 children together with her former husband, David H. Whitman. She enjoyed gardening, bowling and spending time with family and friends, especially the Custer Chicks. She was a member of the Cincinnati Zoo and 4 the Babies. She was also an avid University of Michigan fan (Go Blue!). Karen worked for many years at Runyon’s Furniture & Flooring, then worked at Walmart and finally Parrans Greenhouse before moving to the Cincinnati area in 2004. She is survived by her children, Paul (Tina) Whitman of Temperance, Susan Wright of Monroe, and Debra (Ted) Rodnicki of Monroe; seven grandchildren, Joe, Samantha, Elijah, Stephanie (CJ), Kayla, Landon and Lydia; a great grandson, Kayden; two siblings, Linda (James) Parkhurst and Robert Balk; four nephews, Todd, Jason (Rhandall), Rob and Ivan; and longtime companion, Ken Brown. Karen is preceded in death by her parents, a nephew, Joseph Balk and son-in-law, Christopher Wright. Visitation will be held Thursday, April 14, 2022 from 10:00am – noon at Bacarella Funeral Home with funeral service beginning at 12 p.m.. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Monroe. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Cincinnati Zoo.