Karen Lee Jackson

Karen Jackson, 79, of rural West Union, IL, peacefully passed away on Monday, July 25, 2022, in the comfort of her home surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on September 4, 1942, in Wabash Township, Clark County, IL, the daughter of Garland & Opal Engles. She grew up in the Dennison area, and although she participated in various clubs, she was very bashful throughout high school. This would change not long after her graduation from Marshall High School in 1960, as her career would soon push her into the public eye. Local businesses like Colonial Kitchen, Petrolane Gas, and Annapolis Grain helped to develop in her a strong social presence, which eventually served her well throughout her 30+ year career at the bank in West Union. Through her tenure there, the name changed many times, but there was always one constant: Karen. For years, she was known to work multiple jobs at once, and so when she wasn't behind the counter at the bank, she'd be a familiar face at Earl's Supper Club, a job that fed both her community as well as her social nature!

On October 5, 1974, she married John Jackson, and from that day forward, she dedicated herself to being a farmer's wife, a title she held with great pride. In the days before cell phones, they used CB radio to communicate between the house and the field, with Karen taking the handle "Bookkeeper" and John, "Rojo", which is Spanish for "red", a nod to his many red tractors. Time at home often found her outside in her massive garden or inside canning its produce.

Though these jobs and roles kept her busy, Karen knew how to kick back and enjoy herself as well. For a time, she was heavily involved with a women's bowling league and was fortunate to play with a traveling women's team that won a championship long ago. Years later, her voice would carry over everyone else's at the many ballgames she attended, and it could be said that she was the biggest cheerleader you could ask for! Her grandchildren's friends were drawn to her, and they all called her "Granny Karen", a title of which she was particularly proud. She was also proud of her substantial collections of baskets, Beanie Babies, and watermelon stuffs, which served as a reminder that she never did anything in moderation! She also enjoyed going on adventures with family and friends and was especially fond of dining out with her friends, who will remember Karen as a fun, caring person. Her thoughtfulness was apparent in how she listened intently, clinging to a friend's every word. It was also evident in the endless stream of cards she wrote and sent to loved ones in times of both celebration and mourning. Though this is certainly a time of mourning and grief, we who knew her and loved her will reflect on her life with a smile, understanding that Karen Jackson filled her 79 years with real and meaningful living.

She is survived by her daughter & son-in-law, Barbara & Gary Richards (York, IL); her grandchildren, Dr. John Jackson Richards & wife Allyson (Marshall, IL), Joseph Crawford Richards (Terre Haute, IN), and Emily Richards Mitchell & husband Kent (Marshall, IL); her six great-grandchildren, Audrey Banning Richards, Carver Strohm, Madie Mitchell, Ella Richards, Lauren Richards, Erin Richards, Jackson Richards, and Thatcher Mitchell; her sisters & brothers-in-law, Jeanette & Jack Yatsko (Terre Haute, IN) and Kay & Dean Martin (Marshall, IL); her brother-in-law & sister-in-law, Steve & Wanda Jackson (California); as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of nearly 43 years, John Robert Jackson; her son, John Robert Jackson, Jr. ("Bobby"); her sister & brother-in-law, Edith & Junior Black; her nephew, Jimmy Black; and two nieces, Cathy Burton and Annette Yatsko.

A time of visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 5th, at the Prust-Hosch Funeral Home in West Union. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 6th, at the funeral home, with Celebrant Curt Goodwine officiating. During the service, friends and family will have the opportunity to share memories of this dear woman's life. For those unable to attend, a recording of her service will eventually be available on Goodwine Funeral Homes' Facebook page or by visiting www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream.

Burial will be in the York Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the "York Cemetery", with envelopes available at the funeral home.