Karen Lee Hale, age 83, passed away Tuesday, December 24, 2025 at her home in Rural Shobonier, IL surrounded by her family.

Karen was born March 5, 1942 in Hamilton, IL, the daughter of Melvin Alonzo Martin and Mary Helen (Cox) Martin. She married Silas R. Hale on August 17, 1958 in Warsaw, IL. When Silas was in the Army, Karen followed him all around Europe for 9 years while he served his country. They were married for 67 years before she passed. She and Silas enjoyed riding the motorcycle and often would ride it on different trips that they took. Karen was a devout Christian and loved her family very much.

She is survived by her husband, Silas Hale; her children, Nancy (Timothy) Springsteen and Rickie (Leilani) Hale; her grandchildren, Troy (Candice) Gasaway, Tyler (Alyssa) Hale, and DeLacy (Brad) Williams; her great grandchildren, Brittany (Garrison Reed) Kelley, Dakota (Jaiarieas Foulks) Gasaway, Jadyn Gasaway, Sofia, Aria, and Charli Williams, and Liam North; great great grandchildren, Adelaide, Jasper, and Salem Kelley, and Kaizen Gasaway; Sister-in-law, Shirley "Sue" Lohn; as well as, several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Mary Martin; and her siblings, Pearl "Buddy" Martin, Shirley Noble, and Judith Woutzke.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026 from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm at the Miller Funeral Home in Vandalia, IL. Following the visitation, there will be a procession to Griffith Cemetery near Brownstown, IL for a graveside service officiated by Pastor Tom Spain. Memorial donations can be made out to the Alzheimer's Association. Miller Funeral Home, Vandalia, IL is in charge of arrangements. Online memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.millerfh.net.