V. Karen Benton, 83, of Jacksonville, IL passed away Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, at her home.

She was born Sept. 15, 1941, in Detroit, IL, the daughter of William Khoy and Velma Pauline (Eagle) Sanderson. She married Robert H. Benton in 1977 in Jacksonville and he survives.

She is also survived by three sons and three daughters, Jim (Cyndi) Cawthon of Plymouth, IN, Gary Cawthon of Jacksonville, Reg (Cynthia) Benton of Jacksonville, Cyndy Benton of Jacksonville, Debbie (Peter) Heimgartner of Raleigh, NC, and Amy (Craig) Albers of Jacksonville; thirteen grandchildren, David (Leah Becerra) Cawthon, Sarah Cawthon, Scott Cawthon, Allison (Nick) Guidish, Lindsey Benton, Natalie (Luke) Garver, Rob Benton, Andrew (Kara) Frields, Dustin (Stephanie) Prather, Samantha (Evan) Boles, David (Taber) Albers, Maddy Albers, and Steven (Kayleigh) Albers; and eighteen great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her brother and sister-in-law, Robert Khoy and Rose (Neff) Sanderson.

Mrs. Benton attended Pittsfield schools and served as Assistant City Clerk in Pittsfield for many years. She was a longtime active member of Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church. She was an avid golfer and won the Jacksonville Country Club Women's Championship thirteen times. Karen especially enjoyed attending family events near and far and traveling the world with Bob.

A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, at Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church, with burial at Diamond Grove Cemetery. The family will meet friends 12-2 p.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com.