Name: Visitation for Karen BOLLINGER
Start: 2021-07-09T19:00:00.000Z
End: 2021-07-09T21:00:00.000Z
Location: Routsong Funeral Home & Cremation Services - Kettering

BOLLINGER (Baird),

Karen Jeanne

Age 78, formerly of Centerville, passed away Saturday, June 26, 2021. Karen was born on May 14, 1943, in Delaware, Ohio, to Carl E. and Faith (Ankrom) Baird. After graduating from Frank B. Willis High School in Delaware in 1961, Karen

received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from The Ohio State University and her Master's

Degree in Education from the University of Dayton. Karen dedicated much of her life to education, retiring from Centerville Middle School after 25 years of teaching. During that time, she also served as an adjunct professor at Wright State University. Her kindness, patience, knowledge, and zest for learning earned her the admiration of students and educators alike. Karen was honored with Excellence in Teaching and Teacher of the Year awards. Karen was a longtime patron of the arts. Two of her favorite performances were War Horse and Wicked. She was very active with Muse Machine, which encourages high school and middle school students to make the performing and visual arts an important part of their lifelong learning and development. Karen was also an avid reader. Her extensive work with the Dayton Literary Peace Prize combined her love of literature and teaching. She was a world traveler and supported local artists wherever she went. Karen loved life and touched everyone she met with her smile and kind heart. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, teacher and friend. She will be forever missed. Karen is

preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Faith Baird; two brothers, Gary Baird and Donald Baird. She is survived by her high school sweetheart and loving husband of 56 years, Bruce B.; their two sons, Robert (Theresa) and Todd (Monica); grandsons, Kevin and Isaak; niece, Tracey; nephews, Michael,

Andrew, and Douglas. The family will greet friends 3-5 PM on Friday, July 9, with a service beginning at 5PM at ROUTSONG FUNERAL HOME. 2100 E STROOP RD, KETTERING. In lieu of flowers, friends may make memorial contributions to the

Alzheimer's Association, 31 W Whipp Rd., Dayton, OH 45459 or Hospice of Central Ohio, 2269 Cherry Valley Rd., SE Newark, OH 43055. Fond memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.routsong.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Dayton Daily News on Jul. 4, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Karen BOLLINGER

Sponsored by Routsong Funeral Home & Cremation Services - Kettering.

4 Entries

Kelly Dessy

July 18, 2021

I was very fortunate to have Mrs. Bollinger as my 6-8 grade ELA teacher. She made writing fun and allowed students to grow and explore creative opportunities through offering such a supportive learning environment. I will hold her in my memory as I continue to serve my students as a principal at the elementary level. She certainly made a positive difference in so many lives. My deepest sympathies and prayers to her family.

Kathy Hutter

July 18, 2021

Dearest Bruce and family,
Thank you for sharing Karen who left an indelible impression on others with her accepting smile, gentle advice and unconditional acceptance. As her colleague, she mentored me as an educator, and as a friend, my husband and I remember meeting Karen and Bruce in Las Vegas, attending local theatrical events, sharing rollicking humor while dining, celebrating our friendship and now grieving for our loss of Karen. I can still see Karen moving closer to Bruce and referring to him as her "cutie". Love you, Mrs B.

Chris Connelly

July 18, 2021

Mrs. Bollinger was one of my favorite teachers, and really had an effect on me at an impressionable age. My condolences to the family. She will be missed.

Beth Fischer

July 4, 2021

Bruce and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Karen was an exceptional person. I hope that your loving memories comfort you at this difficult time.
Sincerely, Beth