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Karen Beasley-McCart, 78, of Columbus, IN, passed away peacefully at home on October 4, 2025. Karen was born on November 17, 1946, to the late LeRoy Hart and Jean (Bush) McAuliffe.
Karen graduated from Oldenburg Academy and Indiana State University before earning her Master’s Degree from Indiana University. She spent over 36 years as a high school teacher with the Brown County School Corporation, teaching social studies, English, and eventually overseeing the library. Named Teacher of the Year in 2000, Karen loved being a teacher and impacting the lives of her “kids”. An excellent speaker, she had also been asked to deliver the commencement address on occasion; she retired in 2006.
Karen loved people and was a high-energy individual who always enjoyed a good time. She married Bill McCart 25 years ago, and the two created many wonderful memories through the years. Bill and Karen both felt that they had married the love of each other’s lives. They traveled extensively, often hitting the road with no agenda or schedule. They also enjoyed cruises, dancing, an occasional adult beverage, and spending time with family and friends. Karen enjoyed crafts, working in her flower beds, and was happiest anytime she was with Bill, who referred to her as his “Lovely and Loving Wife”. Karen will be fondly remembered for her independence, her beauty, and her vibrancy.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her stepfather, Bob McAuliffe; sister, Cindy Bray; and nephew, Drew Bray.
Survivors include her husband, Bill McCart; brother-in-law, Jim Bray; and nephew, Beau Bray.
Visitation for Karen Beasley-McCart will be held on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Jewell–Rittman Family Funeral Home, 3855 25th Street, Columbus, IN. The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m., Thursday, October 9, 2025, at the funeral home. Additional services will take place in Vandalia, IL, at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 11, 2025 at Hohlt & File Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior to the service; burial will follow in Evans Cemetery, rural Vandalia.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Bartholomew Catholic Church (1306 27th St, Columbus, IN 47201), Our Hospice of South Central Indiana (2626 17th St, Columbus, IN 47201) or Silver Oaks Nursing Home (2011 Chapa Dr, Columbus, IN 47203)
Online condolences can be expressed at www.hohltandfilefh.com
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