Karen Lee (Benscoter) Kinney, 81

Karen Lee (Benscoter) Kinney (81), passed away peacefully on July 11, 2024, after a heartbreaking struggle with Primary Progressive Aphasia.  A beloved wife, mother, Nana, friend, and “library lady,” Karen was a cherished member of her family and the Harvard community.  

She was born on December 11, 1942, in Kankakee Illinois to Francis Avery and Anna May Benscoter.  As an only child, Karen cherished her friends who affectionately called her “Benny.”  She developed a love for music including voice and piano, and performed as a part of the Division of Fine Arts at Olivet Nazarene College as a child and young adult.  As a student, she believed in the importance of actively participating in her school community.  She was a member of the KHS Latin Club, National Honor Society, and The “Kankakeean” school yearbook committee of which she served as Editor-in-Chief.  She was a member of Beta Phi Sorority and the International Order of Job’s Daughters (Bethel No. 89).

Karen married Orrin Kinney of Momence, Illinois on March 10, 1962, at the Asbury United Methodist Church-Kankakee.  They shared sixty-two loving years as husband and wife.  They were blessed with three children, Steven, Eric, and Melinda (Alistair) Schuldt, and two grandchildren, Ian and Nina Schuldt, whom she loved immensely.   In all that she did as a wife, mother, and Nana, Karen demonstrated the importance of supporting those you love.  She was a tremendous listener who showed that you must first care about what others have to say.  Throughout her life, she modeled how to love with words and actions. She eagerly planned the annual family Milk Days reunion, and along with her husband built countless memories that will forever be cherished by the Kinney, Schuldt, Shourd, Wieckowski, Schaafsma, and James families.  

Karen was known for her unwavering kindness, patience, and unconditional love.  As a member of the First United Methodist Church, she was actively involved in the Chancel Choir and served for many years as secretary of the Staff Parish committee.  She was part of the Harvard Diggins family of “library ladies” where for twenty-four years she touched countless lives with her warmth, welcoming smile, and voracious love of reading.  Even after her retirement, she continued to be a part of the library community as a volunteer gardener in the wildflower garden, patron, and supporter of children’s library programming.  She leaves behind many dear and forever friends whom she met as a part of the library family.  Karen worked tirelessly alongside her husband to restore and repurpose the Starline Factory.  She, similar to her husband, saw the possibilities instead of the impossibilities, and her positive spirit served as a source of inspiration and support.

A Celebration of Life will be held on December 11 at 11:30 a.m. at the Starline Factory in Harvard, Illinois to honor Karen’s final “chapter.”  Memorials in tribute to Karen’s beautiful life may be made to Harvard Diggins Library, 900 East McKinley Street, Harvard, Illinois 60033.

Karen’s memory will forever be cherished.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.saundersmcfarlin.net 

For more information, call Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home at 815-943-5400.