Karen Bessenecker

Karen Sue Bessenecker, 76, of Madison, IN died Sunday, June 21st, in Lima, OH, after battling a long illness. She was born June 19th, 1950 in Louisville, KY, where she lived most of her life.

She was a graduate of Valley High School and Bellarmine College in Louisville, ultimately earning a Master’s Degree in Spirituality.

Professionally, she was an administrative assistant at American Air Filter (AAF), a medical transcriptionist at Sts. Mary & Elizabeth Medical, a typist and an account adjuster at CST Co., all in Louisville, where she eventually retired. She later was a librarian at the Madison-Jefferson County Public Library in Madison, IN and a hospital chaplain in Louisville. She was a passionate gardener and loved doing needlepoint, crochet, and playing the dulcimer.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Dennis Bessenecker, of Madison; her beloved canine companion, Lucy, of Madison; her son’s father, Richard Mason; her parents, Ethel Marie Reitz Shearer and Robert Grant Shearer; and a brother, Barry Shearer, all of Louisville.

She is survived by her son, Shane Mason (Dixie) of Lima, OH; grandson Avery Mason of Lexington, KY; granddaughter Melea Mason of Jeffersonville, IN; siblings Judy O’Hara and Danny Shearer, of Louisville; and numerous extended family members.

She was cremated in Lima, OH with the assistance of Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home. Her remains will be transported to Milton, KY, for burial alongside her late husband. A celebration of life will be held there when the fall colors are vibrant, her favorite time of year, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Milton, at a time to be announced later this year.

In lieu of condolences or flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Karen’s name to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or the Madison Presbyterian Church in Madison, IN.

Arrangements handled by Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com.