Barbara Evelyn Karner

Barbara Evelyn Karner, age 86, passed away on May 30, 2022, at home, lovingly attended to by her husband, Harold.

Barbara was born on March 10, 1936, to John Orval and Rachel Elizabeth Meek. She was one of 14 children and was the apple of her dad's eye. She was an accomplished cake decorator, successful businesswoman, and loving mother. She was married to Harold William Karner and had two children, Jason Andrew and Darren Adam. They lived in Arroyo Grande, CA, while raising their family.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, John and Rachel, siblings John Orval Meek Jr, Eleanor Jean Gillaspy, Clarence Charles Meek, Winifred Esther Lacey, Robert Lee Meek, Norma Ruth Anderson, Maryland Joann Meek, Betty Lou Stiles, David Warren Meek, Mary Delores Lamonte, Nina Irene Martin, and Earl Charles Smalling. She is survived by her husband, Harold; sons, Jason (Cynthia) and Darren (Karen); granddaughter, Olivia Grace; siblings, Jack Lenard Meek and Janett Mae Elliot; and many nieces and nephews.

Barbara was a very generous woman, especially to family, with trips and special occasion cakes. Also to the many foreign exchange students who spent weeks in her home during the summer. A few have been visited in later years, both in the US and their home countries. Christmas for many years was a time to share with family, friends, and neighbors the delicious baked goods she learned to create working in various bakeries.

She will be deeply missed.

Family graveside services were held at the Oak Grove Cemetery, rural Palestine, Illinois, and the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine was in charge of these arrangements. Memorials may be sent to a cancer charity, "St. Jude Children's Research Hospital", or to a charity of your choice.