Karen Geaben

Karen Ann (Daugherty) Geaben of Greenwood, IN was born to Paul and Mary (Ulery) Daugherty on March 26, 1944, in Columbus, IN. Karen entered eternal life, surrounded by her family, on July 28, 2026.

Karen graduated from Columbus High School in 1962. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Ball State in 1966, a Master of Education from Indiana University in 1972, and a Master of Counseling from IUPUI in 2001. Karen was an elementary school teacher in Kokomo, IN from 1966-69, with the Department of Defense Education Activity in Okinawa and Germany from 1969-1971, and with the Clark-Pleasant School Corp. from 1971-1976. Karen considered teaching to be a work of love and a joy to be part of a child’s education.

Karen also worked with youth and families at Youth Connections as the Safe Place Host Homes Director and then for the United Way of Johnson County as the Helpline Director for a total of 24 years. While at the United Way, Karen was heavily involved in organizing Operation Bundle Up and Christmas Angels.

Karen’s greatest joy in life was spending time with her daughter, Shari, and her family. There was nothing she loved more than slumber parties with her granddaughters, attending their many dance recitals, plays, musicals, ice skating competitions, and school events. Nearing the end of life, Karen made it her goal to see her oldest granddaughter, Savannah, graduate high school, and her youngest, Charlotte, perform as Auntie Em in a production of the Wizard of Oz.

Karen has been a member of Mt Auburn UMC since 1982. She faithfully served teaching children’s Sunday School classes, volunteering with VBS, and participating in Bible studies.

A special place for Karen was to be in orchards or gardens picking strawberries, apples, blueberries, raspberries, and many other fruits and vegetables. She also enjoyed cooking and baking (especially apple and pecan pies) and sharing food with family and friends.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Mary (Ulrey) Daugherty, and her former spouse, Frank Geaben.

Survivors include her daughter, Shari (Ben) Greenbaum of Fishers; granddaughters, Savannah and Charlotte Greenbaum; brother Roger Daughtery of Flora, IN; nephew Roger Daughtery Jr. (Joette) of Ohio.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 2 to 4PM at Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center, 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN. Karen’s son-in-law, Rev. Dr. Benjamin Greenbaum, will conduct a celebration of life service immediately following visitation at 4PM and will be live-streamed at www.swartzmortuary.com/obituary/karengeaben.

Inurnment will take place at Garland Brook Cemetery in Columbus, IN.

In lieu of flowers, you can make a memorial contribution to United Way of Johnson County Christmas Angels, 594 Ironwood Drive, Franklin, IN 46131 or at /www.uwjc.org.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com. Information 317-738-0202.

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