Karen Kay Lehman

Karen Kay Lehman, 83, of Ocala, Florida, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2026. Born on August 7, 1942, in Latty, Ohio, Karen lived a life filled with faith, compassion, creativity, and a deep love for family, friends, and the world around her.

Karen was the beloved wife of Gene Lehman, with whom she shared a lifetime of love and cherished memories. Together they built a family rooted in faith, kindness, and unwavering support for one another.

She was the loving mother of Scott Lehman and his wife, Tamatha, and Kimberly Vaffis and her husband, Christopher. Karen was a proud and devoted grandmother to Tyler Lehman and his wife, Kaitlyn; Zachary Lehman and his fiancée, Sierra; Sundar Vaffis; Hannah Vaffis; Ryan Vaffis; and Benjamin Vaffis. Her family was the center of her world, and she delighted in celebrating each milestone and creating lasting memories with those she loved.

Karen was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Harold and Dorothy Faust, and by her parents-in-law, Clarence and Mary Lehman.

A proud graduate of Blue Creek High School in Haviland, Ohio, Class of 1960, Karen continued her education at Defiance College, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Drama in 1964 along with her teaching license. She devoted many years to shaping young minds as an English, drama, and speech teacher, encouraging students to find their voices and pursue their potential.

Never one to limit her talents, Karen also operated a successful sewing business, where her craftsmanship and attention to detail reflected the care she poured into everything she did. Later, she fulfilled a lifelong passion for travel by founding Karen’s Great Escapes, a travel tour business that allowed countless travelers to experience the beauty and wonder of destinations across the United States and abroad. Among her favorite places were New Orleans, the breathtaking Badlands of South Dakota, Mount Rushmore, and the majestic Rocky Mountains.

Karen found joy in life’s simple blessings. She had a gift for nurturing both flowers and friendships, spending countless hours tending her garden and creating beautiful quilts that became treasured keepsakes for family and friends. Her love of music led her to faithfully sing hymns in her church choir, where her voice reflected the hope and faith she carried throughout her life.

Those who knew Karen will remember her infectious sense of humor, her gentle and loving heart, and the remarkable hospitality she extended to everyone who entered her home. Whether through a home-cooked meal, freshly baked treats, or simply a welcoming conversation around her table, Karen made people feel loved, valued, and at home. Her generosity of spirit and genuine kindness left an indelible mark on all who were blessed to know her.

Karen’s legacy lives on in the lives she touched—as a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, faithful friend, gifted teacher, adventurous traveler, talented quilter, and compassionate servant of others. Though her presence will be deeply missed, the love she shared and the memories she created will remain forever in the hearts of her family and friends.

A funeral service celebrating Karen’s life will be held on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, 910 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, Florida 34470. Interment will follow at Highland Memorial Park, 1515 NE 3rd Street, Ocala, Florida 34470, at 2:00 p.m.