OBITUARY: Karen Lynn (Davis) Mlekush

Karen Lynn (Davis) Mlekush, 66, a resident of Eldridge, Iowa, formerly of Eldorado, died Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013, peacefully in her sleep.

Karen Lynn Davis was born on Nov. 7, 1946, in Eldorado, the daughter of Leon James and Dortha Aileen (Hancock) Davis. Karen worked in law enforcement as an officer for the East Peoria Police Department in East Peoria and as a deputy sheriff for the Monroe County Sheriff's Department in Bloomington, Ind., and corporate collections for Illinois Auto Electric Group in Elmhurst, as well as Texas Instruments, ITT and a host of other job opportunities around the country to help raise a family and further her career.

Karen enjoyed painting, gardening, listening to a variety of music, cooking and baking, antiquing, shopping, playing her pianos and especially looking for a good deal at garage sales. She enjoyed Christmas time and decorating her home for the holidays. Most of all, she enjoyed her family and friends, and spending time with her children and grandchildren who will all remember her as "Granny." Karen was fond of telling her children and grandchildren, "Granny loves you with all her heart, with all her soul and with all her might!" We love you too Granny, always and forever.

Memorials may be made to the Anna Bixby Women's Center, 213 S. Shaw St., Harrisburg. As a victim of domestic violence for many years, Karen received additional help and support from Anna Bixby Women's Center from 2010-2012 and wanted them to be remembered.

Survivors include her children: Tracey Ring, Davenport, Iowa, and Timothy (Amy) Simpson, Eldridge, Iowa; grandchildren: Sara Meneses and IrieAnna Simpson; great-grandchildren: Gage, Damien, Brasil and Lluvia; a brother: Sam Davis, Davenport; and nieces: Elizabeth Davis and Laura (Alex) Pena; great-niece: Zoey; and great-nephew Isaiah.

She was preceded in death by infant twins: Timmy and Tammy Simpson; and her parents.

Memorial services will be 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 11, 2013, at the J.M. Weirauch Funeral Home with burial in Mt. Oval cemetery near Norris City.

Online remembrances and condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting Karen's obituary at www.weirauchfuneral.com