Karen Elaine Rock 

December 20th, 1955 - June 8th, 2026

Karen Elaine Rock, 70, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by her family and friends.

 Karen was born in Montclair, California, to Jetta and Everett Odle. She graduated from Montclair High School, where she excelled in swimming, gymnastics, and flirting. While attending classes at Fullerton College, Karen surprised her family and friends by auditioning for The Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus during a local casting call. Her athleticism, grace, and beauty earned her a place with the circus as a showgirl, performing the Spanish Web. During her time performing, Karen met and fell in love with a tall, dark, and handsome Polish acrobat, Michal, who also spun her rope during performances. Together, they shared an unforgettable adventure traveling the nation and living on a train with their beloved dog, Chiquita, and eventually welcomed two daughters, Michalle and Janette.

 Later in life, Karen met her second husband, Jim, a cowboy who quickly swept her off her feet. Together they built a life filled with dancing late into the night, laughter, and new adventures. Their union brought two more children into the family, a son, Matthew, and a daughter, Jessie.

 Karen had a zest for life that was impossible to miss. She never met a Mexican restaurant she didn’t want to try, and she firmly believed that good conversation was best enjoyed with a margarita in hand. Whether she was out country dancing, getting lost in a good book, or cheering from the sidelines as her children pursued their athletic passions, Karen knew how to make ordinary moments memorable. A gifted athlete herself, she instilled a love of sports in all four of her children and took immense pride in supporting them through every practice, game, meet, and competition. She was their biggest fan, offering encouragement, wisdom, and unwavering belief in their abilities.

 Karen’s adventurous spirit and resilience were evident in all she did. She dedicated 34 years of service to the Chaffey Joint Union High School District, a career she took great pride in. Karen worked hard and played harder, always finding a way to create lasting memories with those she loved. She was deeply devoted to her family and friends and led by example, teaching her children the values of hard work, honesty, independence, and perseverance. The lessons she taught, the memories she created, and the love she shared will continue to live on through those who knew and loved her.

 Karen was preceded in death by her mother, Jetta; her father, Everett; her stepfathers, Fred and Lynn; her stepbrothers, Fred and Billy; and her beloved brother, Kenny.

 She is lovingly remembered by her children, Michalle Pombrio, Janette Wolski-Bonesteel, Matthew Rock, and Jessie Rock; her seven grandchildren; her sister, Lynn Mosher; and countless friends and loved ones whose lives she touched. Braves Forever!

 A memorial service will be held on June 12, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Bethany of Montclair Church, 9950 Monte Vista Avenue, Montclair, California 91763.

 In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Alta Loma High School Sports Booster Club in Karen’s memory. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Providence at Home Hospice Care and Senior Home Caregivers for their compassionate care and support.