Karen L Douglass

Karen Douglass, 79, of Avon, Illinois, passed away at 1:06 a.m., Sunday, December 29, 2024. She was born June 18, 1945 in Avon, the daughter of Everette and Alice (Johnson) Carpenter. She was raised and educated in Avon, graduating from Avon High School. She then attended Western Illinois University where she majored in Music. Later in life she attended Carl Sandburg College.

She married Hollister Douglass in 1966 and he survives.

Those left to cherish her memory are; husband, Hollister, of Avon; children, Kirk Douglass of Moline, Illinois, Carolyn (Dan) Zinck of Canton, Illinois/Zionsville, Indiana; stepson, Keith (Jody) Douglass of East Galesburg, Illinois; grandchildren, Amanda Douglass, Gina (Adam) Martin, Renee (Mitchell) Westbay, Alyson Zinck, Anastasia Zinck; great-grandchildren, Eastyn Westbay, Alera Martin, Silvie Martin, Landree Martin and Quaid Martin. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Charles Carpenter.

Karen worked for E&R Equipment in Avon and Maytag Manufacturing of Galesburg for many years.

She was a member of the Avon Federated Church where she served as the organist for over 43 years. She was passionate about her horses and was a founding member of the Spoon River Trail Riders. She hosted camping and horseback rides on the family farm for many years. She was an avid musician playing the trumpet, organ, and piano. She taught piano lessons in the Avon area for many years. She was a 3rd generation member of the Avon School Board. In her younger years she bowled in leagues at Abbe Lanes in Abingdon and was an active member of the Avon Jr. Women’s Club. In her spare time, she joined her husband on several over-the-road trucking trips. Additionally, the two of them enjoyed many horseback trail riding trips throughout the Midwest to meet and ride with friends. 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 6, 2025, at the Avon Federated Church. A time of visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Sunday, January 5, 2025, at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery, London Mills. Memorial contributions may be made to the Avon Federated Church and left in the care of the funeral home. Moore Memorial Home, Avon, is handling the arrangements.

Karen will be remembered for her love of family, her dedication to her community, and her passion for music and horses.