Karen Louise Behunin passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family on Thursday, November 23, 2023, at her home in Butlerville, Arkansas. She was born on November 25, 1939 in Clyde, Ohio to Ethel and Alfred Bishop.
Karen held a Bachelor’s degree in Education from New Mexico State University and spent her life as a loving and supportive housewife. A faithful servant of God, Karen lived a life guided by the principles of love, kindness, and devotion to her Christian faith. Her legacy is one of grace, humility, and service to others. She was a beacon of light, reflecting the teachings of Jesus Christ through acts of kindness, generosity, and a steadfast commitment to God’s work.
Karen is predeceased by both parents, the husband and father of her children, Levi Rivera, and her second husband of 44 years, John Behunin. Karen lost one of her sons, Richard Rivera, in 1990. Those left to cherish her memory include: Daughter, Lenora Rivera of Ward, AR; Son, Timothy Rivera and wife Charli of Butlerville, AR; Grandchildren, Amber Barber of Cabot, AR; Aaron McNally of Tijeras, NM; Levi McNally of Cabot, AR; Loriana Nichols of Las Cruces, NM; Alyssa Green of Maumelle, AR; Meagan Green of Ward, AR; DJ Oswalt of Conway, AR; 24 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Siblings: Barbara Extejt of Port Charlotte, FL; Denis Bishop of SC; Gene Bishop of Las Cruces, NM; Rene Bishop of Port Charlotte, FL.
A service to honor Karen’s life is scheduled for Friday, December 1, at 2:00 pm at Cocklebur Baptist Church, 4138 Cocklebur Road, Ward, AR 72176. Remembrances may be made in the form of contributions to Cocklebur Baptist Church.
Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com
6 Comments
My mom, I miss you every day for the rest of my mind you are my rock still you have been there for me all my life giving me the blessings of our God. Thank you.
I knew June through Amber- and I know how much she loved her. June was a very kind, gentle person and you could tell how much she loved Jesus.
Karen was such a joy to have in our Sunday School class at Mt. Carmel.
A wonderful Christian indeed. She sang Jesus Loves Me, like no other. I thank God to have known Karen. You will be missed.. God Bless your family.
Karen was a very special person in our class who never hesitated to share her faith and love for the Lord. I am blessed to to have known her. Praying for God’s grace to all the family in your loss of Karen.
May all the angels greet Karen at the gates to Paradise. Love and prayers go out to Amber and David and all the family.💜🙏
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