Karen Waschick Boyd

Karen was a beloved mother and grandmother, a talented and caring nurse, a loyal and fun friend, and an independent woman. She could fix anything, and if it wasn’t exactly broken, she could often improve it. She raised her young family while volunteering, gardening, sewing clothing and prize-winning Halloween costumes, and feeding the children of Milford as the Milford (IL) Grade School cook. She sang in the United Methodist Church choir, was active in the community, and served on the Milford Area Board of Education.

In 1982, when the kids were big enough, Karen moved to Kentucky to care for her aging mother and to return to college to study nursing. She earned her Nursing degree in 1984 from Paducah (KY) Community College, and was very proud of her 30 years of service as a Registered Nurse, primarily in the Cardiac Care Unit at Paducah’s Western Baptist Hospital. She taught classes, mentored new nurses, and provided excellent care to countless patients through the years.

Many enjoyed Karen's delicious cooking - she loved feeding her family and friends, and no one left her table hungry! She always played cards for fun, not caring if she won or lost, since either way she got to spend time with her card buddies. She was often lost in a book until the wee hours of the morning, could sit and read or just visit on the beach for hours, bush-hogged on her tractor with skill and courage, laughed at inappropriate things, and would do anything for her friends and family. She was much loved and will be greatly missed.

Karen is preceded in death by her parents, (ex) husband, Lloyd Thomas Boyd, and daughter-in-law Debra Allen Boyd.

She is survived by her brother Walter James Waschick (Nixa, MO), and his family; her children, grandchildren, and great grandson; son Michael Raymond Boyd (Milford, IL), grandson Thomas Michael Boyd (Peoria, IL), granddaughter Emma Boyd Birch and Adam Birch and their son Lincoln Michael Birch (Milford, IL); and daughter, Kelly Boyd Judy and son-in-law Robert Lewis Judy, grandsons Matthew Robert Judy (Plano, TX), Daniel James Judy (Plano, TX), and granddaughters Kathryn Jo Judy (Riverdale Park, MD) and Caroline Grace Judy (Plano, TX).

Throughout her life, Karen was courageous and an achiever, not afraid to try new things, and never allowing obstacles to stop her. For all who knew and loved her, her full life itself is her memorial. Per her own wishes, no formal service will be held.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stonebriarfh.com for the her family.