Karen Jean Keef-Howell, 70, of Dix, Illinois, passed away November 17, 2020 at her home. She was born July 2, 1950 in Mount Vernon to the late Edgar L. and Edna E. (Brown) Keef. Karen was a devoted mother and homemaker as well as a member of Howard Chapel Church. She loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and they will love and miss her always.
A Graveside Service will be held Friday, November 20, 2020 at 1:00 pm at Hopewell Cemetery in Mount Vernon, Illinois with Reverend Merle Fullerton officiating. Interment will follow. Memorials may be made in Karen’s honor to Hopewell Cemetery. Please remember to observe social distancing at this time. We are limited to 10 people at a time. Following the CDC and NFDA regulations, we encourage everyone to wear a mask. They will be made available, upon request. Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.
Karen is survived by two sons, Jamey Don Howell and wife, Casey of Mount Vernon and Aaron Lee Howell and wife Brenda of Belle Rive; six grandchildren, Crystel Lynn Howell-Messmore, Matthew Brett Howell, Madison Marie Howell, Jamey Don Howell, Jr., Dominic Jaden Howell, and Miranda Lee Howell; four great-grandchildren, Elena Davis, Emma Messmore, Ethan Messmore, and Elijah Messmore; brother, Reverend Robert L. Keef and wife, Becky of Mount Vernon; three sisters, Sue Smith and husband, Marshall of Mount Vernon, Ruth Keef of Mount Vernon, and Helen Klevorn of Mount Vernon; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Karen was preceded in death by her sister, Sharon Louise Carlton.
