Mrs. Karen Belle Mitchell, 81, of Galesburg, Illinois died 6:06 p.m. Saturday, March 14, 2020 at Knox County Nursing Home, Knoxville, Illinois.
She was born May 18, 1938 in Galesburg to Carl Edward and Leliah Ruth (Bocox) Kennedy. She married Gary C. Mitchell May 25, 1958 in Galesburg. He preceded her in death July 23, 2018.
Surviving are two sons, Curtis K. (and Felicia) Mitchell of Peoria, Arizona and Lance M. (and Kathy) Mitchell of Knoxville, a brother, Gary Dean (and Billie) Kennedy of Munroe Falls, Ohio, five grandchildren, Kyle Mitchell, Tim Mitchell, Ryan Mitchell, Matthew Mitchell, and Peyton Mitchell, two great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, a son, Jeffrey D. Mitchell on June 15, 1992 and a brother, Stanley Kennedy.
Karen graduated from Galesburg High School in 1956. She worked for the Galesburg Research Hospital in Galesburg and Zellar Mental Health Center in Peoria. She later worked in the cafeteria for Galesburg School District #205 for several years and retired in 2005. She was a member of the Covenant Church in Galesburg. Karen loved to be an active volunteer for all of Galesburg sporting events, including, Little League baseball, Cal Ripken baseball, JFL football and many others organizations at all levels. She was a volunteer for the Orpheum Theater. She was nominated as the Register Mail’s Volunteer of the Year. Most of all, she loved watching and being a part of her children and grandchildren’s sporting events.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the family has limited the attendance to a private graveside burial service. It will be Monday April 6, 2020 at Memorial Park Cemetery, Galesburg. There will be no visitation for the safety of the family and friends. Memorials may be made to the Covenant Church. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service, Galesburg Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
