Karen Bea Blazer, known to many simply as “Blazer,” passed away on September 11, 2026, at OSU – Rhodes Hall. She was 72. Born on August 9, 1954, in Woodstock, Ohio, Blazer lived a life that left a lasting mark on countless people in Columbus and far beyond.
Blazer was a legendary icon and a true trailblazer within the Columbus LGBTQIA+ community. As the longtime owner of Blazer’s Pub in the Short North, she created far more than a gathering place. She provided a safe haven for many members, patrons, and friends across the entire city of Columbus and beyond. Her presence, generosity, and fearless spirit helped shape a sense of belonging for so many, and her legacy will live on in the community she helped nurture.
She embraced life with unmistakable energy and joy. Blazer loved sports, especially softball, The Ohio State Buckeyes, and the Cincinnati Bengals. Over the years, she sponsored many softball leagues, extending her encouragement and support to players and teams who found in her both a champion and a friend. She was also an animal lover of all kinds, carrying that same warmth and affection into every corner of her life.
Those who knew Blazer will remember her for an attitude, smile, and personality that could light up any room and make any stranger smile. She had a way of drawing people in, making them feel welcome, seen, and at ease. Her name became synonymous with friendship, laughter, and a bold, enduring sense of community.
She is survived by her wife, Robin Lehew; her sister, Brenda Rutan; her son, Phillip Lehew; and her grandchildren, Jordan Lehew and Jleah Lehew. In the love of her family, and in the many lives she touched, Blazer’s memory will continue to shine brightly.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Marion and Beatrice Blazer; and her brother, Bill Blazer.
Karen Bea Blazer will be remembered with deep affection, gratitude, and pride. Her life was one of presence, courage, and heart, and the welcome she offered to others will not be forgotten.
A Celebration of Life in honor of Blazer’s legendary life will be held at later date at the family’s convenience. All will be invited to come as a stranger and leave as a friend, honoring Blazer’s motto throughout life.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Blazer’s memory to The Cat Welfare Association (741 Wetmore Rd, Columbus, OH 43214).
Arrangements have been entrusted to Newcomer Funeral Home, SW Chapel, 3393 Broadway, Grove City, Ohio (614-539-6166).
To leave a special message or memory for the family, please visit the Guestbook.
To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.
Blazer was a friend and employer of MK ULTRA’s Alex Zander in the late 80’s thru the early 90s at Summit Station where he was a DJ. Long after AZ moved away from central Ohio they stayed in touch and AZ would regularly visit whenever he was travelling through or in town for an event which was often especially in the late 1990′
Summit Station was the first and one of the longest running lesbian bars in Ohio.
After Summit Station closed, the building was converted into a concert venue called The Summit Music Hall the next year. On June 10, 2023, the Ohio History Connection dedicated a historical marker at the former site of Summit Station at 2210 Summit Street in the University District. The marker was the first Ohio Historical Marker in Columbus recognizing the LGBTQ+ history and the third recognizing LGBTQ+ history in the state of Ohio.
Free Beer Tomorrow is a documentary film project that tells the story of Jack’s/Summit Station, Ohio’s longest running lesbian bar. With interviews from Peter Brown — a classically trained musician turned bar owner — to pioneering LGBTQ+ lawyer and legal scholar, Rhonda R. Rivera, and former patrons running the gamut of tap dancers, professional women’s football players, feminist activists, bartenders and drag kings, the film explores lesbian culture in an era where bars were one of the few safe-havens from an oppressive and homophobic world.
