Karyn Lee Stokes

Karyn Stokes, born on February 5, 1950, to Paul and Marilyn Krayer, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 27, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, creativity, and dedication to children.

Karyn grew up alongside her brothers, Timothy and Brett Krayer; her sister, Kitt (Krayer) Pendergast; and her bonus sister, Mimi (Mitchell) Morrison. In 1976, she married the love of her life, Norman Stokes, and together they built a beautiful life filled with family and joy. She was the proud mother of Tyler Stokes and the cherished bonus mother to Jenny (Bill) Young, Jill (John) Sreenan, and the late Karmy (Bill) Bruce.

A proud graduate of Lima Senior High School, Karyn was Homecoming Queen, a cheerleader, and a record-holding swimmer. She earned her degree in education from Wittenberg University, where she was a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority, and later completed her master’s at The University of Dayton. She spent summers lifeguarding, coaching diving, and working with Parks and Recreation before managing Lost Creek Country Club pool in her later teaching years.

A lifelong educator at heart, Karyn was a devoted kindergarten teacher who truly loved her calling. Even after retiring from Lima City Schools in 2002, she continued to share her passion by volunteering at Allen East, touching the lives of countless children. Her energy, creativity, and enthusiasm for teaching made her unforgettable—she was born to inspire young minds.

Karyn embraced life with adventure and enthusiasm. She participated in triathlons, played golf at Lost Creek, and volunteered in equestrian therapy. She loved spending winters in Pompano Beach, Florida, where she found joy in the sunshine and time with friends.

Family was at the center of Karyn’s world. She adored her great-nephews: Dylan, Dominic, Luca, and Leo Martino, as well as Liam Pendergast. She shared a special bond with her niece, Kelly (Phil) Martino and nephews, Brady (Lauren) Pendergast and Cory (Emily) Pendergast. She also loved her niece and nephews, Cholla and Saguaro Doven and Buffy and Gary Morrison.

She cherished her grandchildren: Connor Sreenan, Chase Sreenan, Shayne Logan, Nicholas Logan, Bruce Young, Gabe Young, Lauren Smith, and Jessica Holmes; as well as her great-grandsons, Stryker Logan and Jet Holmes.

Karyn was a passionate sports fan, cheering on The Ohio State Buckeyes, the Cincinnati Bengals, and the Cincinnati Reds. Whether it was football Saturdays, Bengals game days, or baseball season, she never missed a chance to root for her teams and celebrate their victories.

Karyn was preceded in death by her parents, Marilyn (Krayer) Mitchell and Paul Krayer; as well as her stepfather, John Mitchell, who lovingly raised her after her father’s tragic passing; her brother, Brett Krayer; and her beloved bonus daughter, Karmy Bruce.

Karyn’s light will continue to shine through the many lives she touched. Her kindness, warmth, and unwavering dedication to children will never be forgotten.

Visitation will be Monday, March 3, 2025, from 12 - 2 p.m. at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home, 920 N. Cable Rd., Lima. A service to celebrate Karyn’s life will follow at 2 p.m. Please feel free to wear your favorite Ohio State or Cincinnati Bengal’s attire in honor of her love for her teams. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Equestrian Therapy 22532 Bowsher Rd Lima, Ohio 45806 in her honor, or Allen County Humane Society. Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com.