Karen Sue Lighter

PEKIN ~ Karen Sue Lighter, 81, of Pekin, passed away at 12:05 p.m. Friday, July 25, 2025 in the Emergency Department at Carle Health Proctor Hospital. She is no longer in pain after 8 years of dialysis.

Born February 25, 1944 in Canton to James William and Ruth Faye (VanMiddlesworth) Settles, she married Kenneth Eugene Lighter on July 6, 1968 in Canton. He died December 1, 2009 in Pekin. She also was preceded in death by her parents.

Surviving are one daughter, Karessa (Larry) Breweur, II of Pekin; one son, Bret K. Lighter of Pekin; three grandchildren, Brandon Lighter, Lilyana Breweur and Karlyna Breweur, all of Pekin; one sister, Dixie List of Canton and one niece, Kenise List of Bradley. She also leaves a faithful companion of 10 years, Wayne Shafer and also some special children of the heart, Mike, Gita, Dhaval, and Dolly.

A graduate of Southern Illinois University in Carbondale with her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, Karen was a longtime Kindergarten teacher with Pekin Public Schools District 108 at Willow Primary School until retiring in 1998.

Karen was devoted to her family and enjoyed playing with her grandchildren. She especially enjoyed playing card games with family and friends.

She was of the Baptist faith and last attended First Baptist Church in Pekin.

Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 31, 2025 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor David Lynn will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to Boys and Girls Club of Pekin, 1101 Veerman Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com