Karen S. Bontrager

Karen Sue Bontrager, 86, formerly of Holton, passed away May 7, 2026 at home in Valley Center, Kansas. Karen was born October 13, 1939 in Topeka, Kansas, to Allan and Mabel (Smith) Pollock. Karen grew up in Holton and graduated from Holton High School in 1957.

On October 20, 1957, Karen married Jerry Bontrager in Holton, Kansas. They shared 50 years of marriage before Jerry passed away on May 8, 2008. From their union they shared two children Jerri and Craig.

In 1978, Jerry and Karen moved to Valley Center, Kansas where Karen worked for Kansas Gas Service for 23 years as an engineer clerk before retiring. Karen enjoyed crocheting, reading, genealogy, and watching grandchildren’s activities through the years. She also enjoyed being around her great-grandchildren and hearing about their daily activities.

Karen is preceded in death by her husband Jerry; her son, Craig; her brother, Rex Pollock and her parents, Allan and Mabel Pollock.

She is survived by her daughter, Jerri and (Wayne) Truman of Valley Center; her four grandchildren, Josh (Brooke) Truman of Queen Creek, AZ, Justin (Mallory) Truman of Valley Center, Megan (Tomas) Colby of Valley Center, Melissa Truman (Marcus Todd) of Valley Center and 9 great-grandchildren. Savannah, Alexa, and Laila Truman of Arizona, Olive, Evelyn and Bode Truman and Maggie, Macie and Maddie Colby of Valley Center.

Graveside Service will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 21, 2026 at Olive Hill Cemetery. Mercer Funeral Home in Holton is in charge of arrangements.