Karen Sue Steer

Karen Steer, a loving wife, devoted mother, and cherished grandmother, passed away on January 16, 2024, at the age of 75. Born on October 6, 1948, in Elgin, Illinois, Karen was the daughter of Silas Henry Trepus and Eunice Pauline Mally Trepus.

Karen’s life was marked by countless blessings and a deep devotion to her family. She married Jim Withaeger in October 1966 and together they welcomed four children into their lives: Brian, Michael, Gary and Lori.

Karen married Don Steer in June 1988 and added 5 more children to her family, Don, Mark, Elizabeth, Matthew and Danny.

Aside from her role as a dedicated wife and mother, Karen was actively involved in various community organizations. She taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, served as a Cub Scout Den Leader and Daisy/Brownie Leader. She was a foster parent of 5 and an adoptive parent. She is a mother of 4 and a stepmother of 5, and a grandparent of 19. She was also significant “other” parent of Presbyterian Children’s Home boys. She held many offices in PTA and was awarded PTA Life Member for her contributions to children. Karen’s passion for helping others extended beyond her immediate family, as she volunteered at the JPS Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, where she became a mother to a terminally ill abandoned newborn, Molly Beth.

Karen was a very active member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Arlington. Her creative spirit and generous heart shone through her handiwork as she created baby afghans for Trinity’s newborns, prayer shawls, and mini prayer quilts. She tirelessly worked on fundraisers, such as the Trinity Garage Sale and Fall Festival, spreading joy and bringing the church community together. Karen’s warm smile and infectious spirit touched the lives of many, and she will be remembered for her unwavering kindness and faith.

Karen’s legacy lives on through her surviving children and her beloved husband, Donald Steer. Her children surviving her are her sons, Brian Withaeger and wife Melissa, Michael Withaeger and wife Julie, Gary Withaeger and wife Frances, and her daughter Lori Marshall and husband James and her stepchildren, Don Steer and wife Andrea, Mark Steer and wife Eva Macian, Elizabeth Deane and husband Stuart, Matthew Steer and wife Dalia, and Daniel Steer and wife Misti. Additionally, Karen leaves behind 19 grandchildren who brought immeasurable joy to her life.

In her remarkable journey through life, Karen Steer touched the hearts of many and left an indelible imprint on the lives she encountered. She will forever be remembered as a selfless and compassionate soul whose legacy of love and kindness will continue to inspire all those who were blessed to know her.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Karen’s life and honor her memory at the memorial services at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1200 West Green Oaks Blvd, Arlington, Texas on January 28, 2024 at 3:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in honor of Karen Sue Steer to Trinity United Methodist Church in Arlington, Texas.