Karen Felton

Karen Felton, age 73, of Cincinnati, Ohio, peacefully passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2026 surrounded by loved ones. She leaves behind a legacy of strength, love, and servanthood. She was born in Cincinnati on January 12, 1953, she was the beloved daughter of Philip and Norma Jean Ball (née Edwards).

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Philip and Norma Jean Ball, and her brothers Phil Ball, Jr., Thomas Ball, and Benjamin Ball. She is lovingly remembered by her children Jennifer Felton, David (Stephanie) Felton, and Tim Felton; her grandchildren Maximus Felton, Thelonius Felton, and Ezra Estrada; her sisters Peggy (Ed) Hopkins, Nancy (the late Ron) Kissinger, Holly (Mark) Bender, and Deborah (Eloy) Encinias; her brother Michael (Denise) Ball; as well as many other cherished family members and friends.

Karen was born and raised on the West side of Cincinnati, OH and attended Oak Hills High School. She was one of nine children in the Ball Family, one of the “three little girls”. Having a large, loving family shaped her life in so many ways and her siblings were very dear to her. Karen loved planning and attending family gatherings. Whether it was a special holiday or Friday pizza night, Karen would never show up empty handed and she’d always clean up afterwards – probably forcing leftovers into your hands while doing so.

In her early career, she worked for Procter & Gamble before moving to South Florida to work in the banking industry and start a family. She eventually returned to Cincinnati with her children, where she happily lived the remainder of her life (with several beach vacations to satisfy her yearning for sand and sun).

Motherhood was Karen’s true calling. She would move mountains to provide for her three children. Karen ensured that childhood for her daughter and sons was filled with love, comfort, and plenty of laughter. As a single mom of three, Karen set an example of superhuman strength to hold everything together and ensure that her children wanted for nothing. Jenny, Dave, and Tim inherited resiliency, perseverance, generosity, and a playful spirit from their Mom.

Karen was creative and loved to sew. Once inspiration struck, she would spend hours in her sewing nook making crafts and clothes for herself and others. She even created her own version of a onesie for her autistic grandson, the ingenuity of which inspired local teachers.

Karen loved serving her church community. She was a member of Bridgetown Church of Christ for most of her life, being baptized there as a child. From counting the offering to running VBS to singing on the worship team, Karen was always ready to volunteer and step in when help was needed. She also enjoyed being part of the Western Hills Church of Christ and White Oak Christian Church families.

Karen was proud of her 25 year career as Accounts Receivable Manager for Home City Ice, where she touched the hearts and lives of many. Home City Ice was not just a job for her, it was a home and a purpose. She took a lot of pride in her work and was very invested in the lives of her colleagues.

In retirement, Karen’s spirit of giving continued to shine. She was honored to care for her own mother until her mother's passing. But above all else, caring for her grandsons, who called her Kiki, was the truest joy of her golden years.

Karen’s surviving family and friends will miss her deeply and will lovingly carry her legacy forward for eternity.

A funeral ceremony to honor Karen’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 4, 2026, with visitation from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions – West Side Chapel, located at 3300 Parkcrest Lane, Cincinnati, Ohio 45211.

In loving memory of Karen, contributions may be made to Autism Connections; https://autismcincy.org/donate/ 

Friends and family are invited to share memories and leave messages for her loved ones through the guestbook.