Karen Jean Villarial Clingempeel

Karen Jean Villarial Clingempeel, 66, of Bedford passed away on Monday, May 27, 2024, at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital. She was born in Riverdale, MD on September 30, 1957. A daughter of Daniel Armond “Dan” Villarial and the late Rose Virginia Jackson Villarial. In addition to her mother, Karen was preceded in death by three siblings, Dan Villarial, Jr., Beverly Villarial and Diane Guitron.

Karen was a very loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. Her love for her family was unconditional. She was an excellent cook who loved to entertain her family and friends with a meal. Her love for children was so evident. As a teacher and working with kids Karen loved her job and her students. Often, she could be found at the Waterlick Moose Lodge shooting pool with her friends. She was a very simple lady and will be missed dearly by her family, but her legacy will continue through her kids and grandkids.

In addition to her father, Karen is survived by her husband, Richard F. Clingempeel; children, Kim Helmling (Jason), Scott Whorley, Shelly Whorley (Lee Yates) and Melissa Rowlett (Jeremy); grandchildren, Dylan Collins (Kaylin), Dustin Adkinson, Derek Whorley, Garrett Whorley, Hannah Helmling, Evan Whorley, Hayden Rowlett, and Leah Whorley. Karen was expecting her first great-grandchild in July, Jace Collins; siblings, Elaine Watts (Tom) and Fred Villarial. Also surviving are numerous other family and many friends.

For those wishing to make memorial contributions in Karen’s memory please consider, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Virginia 2224 S Jefferson St, Roanoke, VA 24014.

A  Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 11am on Friday, May 31, 2024, at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church. The Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Bedford. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00pm on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory in Bedford. To send condolences online please visit tharpfuneralhome.com. Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford is assisting the family.