Karen Ann Beam

Karen Ann (Winkle) Beam, age 67, passed away on Thursday, July 10, 2025. Karen was born in Dayton on October 13, 1957, to the late Carl B Winkle and Patricia Ann (Garman) Winkle.

Karen is survived by her husband and best friend, Keith Allen Beam; son Eric Lee Grossman (Mandy); daughter Sara Elizabeth Plozay (Dwight); stepdaughter Elizabeth Sheridan (Joe); stepson Allen Beam (Jenna); grandchildren Karlee, Abbey, Logan and Ben; step-grandchildren Ember, Griffin and Baylor.

Karen was a graduate of Northridge High School class of 1975 and the MCJVS/MVCTC. She became a licensed cosmetologist on June 5, 1975, straight out of high school. She worked in the salon until she opened her own, “Karen’s Hair Designs,” which she worked at until the business sold. She continued her work as a Hair Designer and began substitute teaching Cosmetology in high school. In 1983, Karen began teaching full-time. She earned her licensure from The Ohio State University. She attended several other colleges for continuing education. She had love for her students and their youth organization, SkillsUSA. She was involved not only in the school but at the state level as well. She also worked two days a week as a hair designer until 2003. She retired in 2014 from MVCTC, her alumni, as she always called it.

Karen had a love for her family that was beyond words! She had a special love for dachshunds and had owned 4 of them over the years. She also had a black Labrador retriever, which was her only BIG dog (Miss Ruby). She loved spending time with her husband, especially while vacationing in Key West. She loved the fall when she could ride in the combine with Keith, where they always had the best conversations. The love Karen had for her children and grandchildren was so true. She loved having them spend the night and especially loved going to watch their sporting events dressed in their team colors, of course! She enjoyed cooking, crafting, decorating, and staying active. She volunteered at Hospice of Dayton for over 15 years. She worked seasonally at a department store to stay busy and around people. She did enjoy her discounts, and she never met a stranger while working there. Her main reason for life was her family.

The family will be receiving friends from 4 PM-7 PM on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at Morton & Whetstone Funeral Home, 139 S. Dixie Dr, Vandalia. Funeral services will be 11 AM Wednesday, July 16, 2025, with Father Mike Holloran officiating. Interment at Poplar Hill Cemetery.

If desired, contributions should be made to Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton in Karen's memory.