Karen M. Fox

Karen M. Fox, 75, a beacon of kindness and warmth, passed away on February 22, 2025, in New Dawn Healthcare Center at Dover, following a period of declining health.

Born on March 30, 1949, Karen was the daughter of the late Raymond C. and Evelyn M. (Davis) Belknap and brought joy to the lives of many with her ever-present smile and her nurturing spirit. She was a proud graduate of New Philadelphia High School, class of 1967, where she laid the foundation for a life defined by compassion and service.

Karen dedicated many years of her professional life to investing in children through being a Sunday School teacher, classroom volunteer, teacher's aide, and serving in the cafeteria. As well, she worked for 19 years at Wal-Mart in New Philadelphia, where she worked diligently as a sales associate. Her engaging personality shaped every interaction with staff, students and customers as she radiated positivity and genuine care.

Beyond her career, Karen's commitment to her community was truly inspiring. Alongside her husband, she volunteered as an usher at the Performing Arts Center at Kent State Tuscarawas and the Ohio Star Theater, helping to create memorable experiences for countless patrons. In addition, she shared her love for kids and God's word by volunteering with the Good News Club, enriching the lives of young students across various elementary schools. After retirement she fell in love with new ways to serve by enjoying short term missions trips to Hungary and Sarajevo and also going to North Carolina to help pack Operations Christmas shoeboxes.

Karen's life was firmly anchored in her faith; she was a longtime member of the Dover Baptist Temple and later the First Baptist Church at New Philadelphia, where she found strength and solace in her strong belief in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Her faith shaped her interactions with others, and her kindness left a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to know her.

She is survived by her husband, Timothy Fox of New Philadelphia, whom she married on January 3, 1970. Also surviving are her two daughters, Deana (Anthony) Grasselli of New Philadelphia and Debby Fox of Kansas City, Missouri; six grandchildren- Aaron Oswald, Alexa (JJ) Barnhart, Andrea Oswald, Ethan (Bobbie) Oswald, Miranda Grasselli, and Liam Grasselli; eight great grandchildren- Ellie, Landon, Silas, Nico, Luna, Adelaide, Lincoln, and Lillian. She also will be affectionately remembered by numerous others as “Mama Fox.”

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her three brothers, Jerry, Duane, and David Belknap as well as her mother-in- law Ruth Fox.

In keeping with Karen’s wishes, cremation care is to be provided by the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory. Friends are invited to call on Friday, February 28, 2025, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. A Memorial service celebrating Karen’s life will begin at 6:30 PM in the funeral home’s chapel with Pastor Todd Gopp officiating.