Karen Lee Durant (Pugh), age 73, of Columbia Station, Ohio, passed away on December 26, 2025. She was born on May 6, 1952.
Karen lived a life centered on love, dedication, and quiet strength. She had a deep and unwavering love for her family and friends and will be dearly missed by the many lives she touched. Caring, funny, and steady, Karen was someone others could always rely on.
She was a beloved bus driver for Columbia Local Schools, where she took pride in caring for generations of students. Outside of work, Karen enjoyed bowling, crocheting, researching family history, and collecting many treasured items over the years.
Karen is survived by her loving husband, Paul; her children, Jason (Janet), Brian, Gary (Tara), Joey (Hannah), step-children Steve (Emma), Tina, and Stuart (Emma); her grandchildren, Ryan, Codi, Jason Jr., Breanne, Ashley, Hunter, Layla, Miles, Clara, step-grandchildren Billie, Emily, Alfie, Millie, Charlie, Ellie Mae, Rebecca, Louise, and Steven; many great-grandchildren; and her brothers, Kenny (Sheryl) and Danny.
She was preceded in death by her father, Waymon Earl Pugh; her mother, Ann Pugh (Jorgensen); and her sister-in-law, Joy Pugh.
A Celebration of Life will be held on January 10, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Columbia Fraternal Order of Eagles, following a private family burial.
Karen’s kindness, humor, and steadfast love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
My condolences to the family & friends.
Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories to treasure.
Your love and kindness will now live on in your loved ones forever.
Sleep peacefully Grandma Karen.
Lots of love now and always,
Louise, Alfie & Joey xx
A beautiful soul and a heart of gold that is dearly missed.
Thank you for everything you ever did for me, treating me as one of your own every time I was over. A true Member of the family I’ll forever miss
My thoughts are with all the family and friends over the other side of the pond
Love to you all x
Rest easy Grandma Karen x
You will be for ever missed, one of the kindest people I ever had the pleasure of meeting.
Rest peacefully
Lots of love Billie , Stephanie and belle xxx
Grandma Karen, Thankyou for being so welcoming and loving. A very kind and thoughtful lady who will be missed very much.
I am Thinking of all my American family and sending my love during this tough time.
Love you all, Millie Xxxxx
Karen what can I say you was like a mum to me when ever I visited won’t be the same when I visit again but you’re family is credit to you and so welcoming love to you all out there love you love Stuart
Although we only met during your visit here many moons ago you were thought of very fondly.You welcomed and looked after my family from the UK many times over the years and I Thankyou for that.
Thinking of all the family at this very sad time x
I am so sorry for your loss. Karen was a wonderful caring woman who will be sorely missed by all that had the great privilege to love and know her. May you find comfort and strength in all the happy memories you shared. Sending you strength and love during this incredibly difficult time.
I am heartbroken to find this out today. Karen was a wonderful woman and incredible neighbor. She will be deeply missed. My prayers are with her family during this time of grief.