Karleen Kay (Cash) Arehart
Karleen Kay (Cash) Arehart, 73, of Greenville, a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, faithful servant of the Lord, and cherished educator, entered her eternal rest on Sunday, December 21, 2025. She was the beloved wife of John Preston “Johnny” Arehart, Jr., with whom she shared 53 years of marriage.
Born on February 12, 1952, in Lexington, Virginia, Karleen was the daughter of the late Charlie Leuna Cash and Reba Dale (Lotts) Cash. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Charlie Leon “C.L.” Cash.
Karleen is survived by her husband, Johnny; her children, John P. Arehart, III and his wife Karen of Staunton, Jeremy S. Arehart and his wife Kristin of Spottswood, and Julie (Arehart) Longley and her husband Michael of Falls Church; and her nine adored grandchildren: Kaeden Click, Ella Arehart, Samuel Longley, Charles Longley, Jack Arehart, Beau Arehart, Charlie Arehart, Millie Longley, and Mack Arehart. She is also survived by her sister, Wanda (Cash) Ragland of Alexandria; her brother, Dr. Erskine “Erkie” H. Cash and his wife Wilhelmina “Willie” of State College, PA; her sister-in-law, Betty Page (Arehart) Bennett; her special friend, Brenda Arehart; and her faithful companion, her beloved dog, Sailor.
A lifelong woman of faith, Karleen was a devoted member of Old Providence A.R.P. Church, where her love for the Lord was evident through her many years of service in Christian education. She retired after 36 years of dedicated service with the Rockbridge and Augusta County Public School Systems, where she touched countless young lives as a caring and committed teacher at Mountainview, Fairfield, and Riverheads Elementary Schools. Her passion for education and genuine love for her students left a lasting impact on generations of families.
Karleen found great joy in cooking, sewing, gardening, and, most of all, spending time with her family. Her greatest delight was her grandchildren—encouraging their education, teaching them to work in the garden, cheering them on at sporting events, and simply being present in their lives. Time with family was always her greatest treasure.
For more than 30 years, Karleen and her family cherished summer vacations to Hilton Head Island, creating memories that became a beloved family tradition. In retirement, Karleen and Johnny continued their love of travel, returning often to Hilton Head with siblings and enjoying memorable adventures with Erkie and Willie to Aruba, the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite. Seeing the Giant Sequoia trees was a lifelong dream that brought her immense joy.
Karleen will be remembered for her radiant smile, bubbly personality, kind heart, and joyful spirit. Her legacy of faith, love, service, and devotion to family will live on in all who were blessed to know her.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Rob Marsh and the compassionate staff of Blue Ridge Christian Homes – Beulah Land for their loving care and support.
A celebration of Karleen’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Old Providence A.R.P. Church, conducted by Pastor Patrick Malphrus. Burial will be private. The family will receive friends following the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to Old Providence A.R.P. Church, 1005 Spottswood Road, Spottswood, VA 24476, or Riverheads W.R.E., P.O. Box 352, Greenville, VA 24440.
Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive, Staunton, is handling arrangements.
Condolences may be expressed to the family or online at www.coffmanfuneralhome.net.
