Obituary of Kara Renae Hanks

“There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind."

-- C.S. Lewis

Kara Renae [Glenn] Hanks shed her mortal vessel and was greeted ecstatically with open arms by her Savior, who she knew so well, on January 14, 2024, in Langley, KY. She was born, an inquisitive joy, in Fort Thomas, KY to Patrick Dean Glenn and Pamela Kay [Hendrix] Glenn on May 20, 1979. A resident of Campbell County, KY; she, along with her husband Ben, raised their family in Melbourne, KY.

After high school, Kara professionally trained and worked as a legal secretary for a time.  Her true calling was that of a servant inside her home and out.  She cared for children and her home as well as her nieces, nephews, and family, and she was deeply involved with the various ministries of her church, Grace Fellowship.  She led numerous Bible studies, conducted classes on suffering well in chronic pain, and guided others through biblical lament all while ministering to and mentoring countless young people.  She also did administrative work at NKOL with her husband Ben.  

A voracious reader, Kara’s home library was boundless. This bibliophile’s collection held everything from Louis L’Amour westerns, to works on theology to a beloved first edition of the entire Chronicles of Narnia Series by C.S. Lewis. However, there was no tome more important to her and so well worn as Kara’s Bible.  She was constantly reading and re-reading her Father’s words to her, taking notes in the margins with her favorite pencil, journaling with her fountain pens, her special ink and her Rhodia paper journals.  To take away her Bible would have been to take away her breath.   

Departed from our earthly sight, she will never be forgotten. Intentional and brave, we are comforted in knowing that beyond a doubt she has fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith (II Timothy 4:7).

Above all she wanted people to know her Savior and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  She desired to share the love and comfort that she had found through her relationship with Him.  He died and paid the price for our sins so that we would know that we have eternal life (I John 5:13) and that we would not have to fear death.  This she knew well.

Kara was a cherished and beloved wife to Ben Hanks; unconditionally loving mom to Ellarie “Elly” Hanks and Porter Hanks; a true big sister to Krissy (John) Livingston, Katie (Joe) Zuerner, Donnie (Lauren) Glenn, and Kelly (Zach) Lux; a treasured daughter to Pat and Pam Glenn, and daughter-in-law to Mark and Roxiena Hanks, as well as sister-in-law to Jordan and Sarah Hanks. Aunt Kara will also be missed here on Earth by her 31 beloved nieces and nephews. Her distinctive laugh and her servant’s heart will be remembered by her vast church family and copious friends.

Please come to share memories and stories of Kara on Friday, January 19, 2024, at Grace Fellowship Church, Florence Campus, 9379 Gunpowder Rd, Florence, KY 41042 from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM. Directly following will be a funeral service, at 1:00 PM, also at the church. Kara will be laid to rest comfortably in a private ceremony for the family, at Mt. Gilead Cemetery, 3410 Carthage Rd, California, KY 41007.

Kara’s life’s work was devoted to serving, caring, and mentoring others. Instead of flowers or other gifts of sympathy, please consider donating in her memory to New Hope Center either online or in person at services.

To offer an online condolence or to share a memory or photo of Kara, please visit the corresponding tabs on this page.