Karen M. Eckelberry, age 67, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Monday afternoon, October 28, 2019, at OSF HealthCare Heart of Mary Medical Center in Urbana.

   She was born February 29, 1952, in Tuscola, Illinois, the daughter of Phillip Daniel and Moine Romelle (Williams) McCollom.  She was united in marriage to Clifford Ray Eckelberry on February 25, 1983, in Flora, Illinois and they shared 30 wedding anniversaries until his death December 6, 2013.

   She will be remembered as a family-oriented stay at home mom, a good conversationalist and listener, and someone who truly cared for other people.  Karen had been a member of the Flora Eagles and volunteered with their activities.  She had worked at Grandma’s Kitchen in the past.  Reading and working on word puzzles was something she enjoyed.

   Karen is survived by 3 daughters: Stacy (Jason) Edmison of Urbana, Laurie (Ken) Michael of Spring Hill, FL, and Julie (Justin) Applegate of Flora; 2 stepchildren: Gene (Barb) Eckelberry of Iuka and Annie (Herbie) Lewis of Salem; 11 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; a brother: John (Amy) McCollom of Villa Grove; a sister: Connie (Dennis) Mitsdarfer of Villa Grove; and 14 nieces and nephews also survive.

   She was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Clifford Eckelberry; son: Don Kirkman Jr.; and a sister: Cathy McCollom.

   A funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, November 2, 2019, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.  Interment will follow in Bunker Cemetery.  Visitation will be 11 a.m. until time of service Saturday at the funeral home.  Memorial donations are suggested to Clay County Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry and will be accepted through the funeral home.