Karen A. Husted

After a silent, tough-fought battle with cancer, Karen Angela Husted, 65, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by the ones who love her dearly. She leaves behind a legacy of fierce strength, deep love, and unforgettable joy.

First and foremost, Karen was a cherished daughter to Anita and Gerald Stevens. But the role that brought the absolute greatest joy to her life began the moment she first laid eyes on her eldest son, Joey. As time went on, her heart and her family only grew, welcoming Kristin and continuing to expand with Shawn, Gary, Josh, Scott and Shelli, Jeff and Staci, and Scottie.

Karen truly lived every day for her kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, and bestfriend-partner, Gary Schmitt. She was a deeply proud grandmother to Hannah, Jordan, Aryanna, Jerzy, Anjeli, Rylee, Joey, Ace, Little Gary, Landen, Kaitlyn, Izzie, and Maddie. There was something special she saw in each of them, and her door--and heart--was always open to offer love, a warm home, and guidance to anyone who crossed her path. Karen especially enjoyed spending time with her own children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, her grandpuppy, Chica, and her best friend and partner, Gary Schmitt.

For over 20 years, Karen was a beloved driver and face at Midstate Cartage in Tonica, where she regularly worked grueling 40- to 60-hour weeks. But she never let the hard work dull her spirit. Karen loved nothing more than causing a little friendly ruckus on the CB radio, listening to her music with the wind blowing through her hair, and proudly blowing the truck horn at anyone and everyone she knew, waving happily as she passed by.

Now, it is our turn to wave goodbye to a remarkable daughter, mother, sister, aunt, godmother, friend, grandmother, and great-grandmother-one whom we will all truly miss in everyday life. Karen's spirit lives on in all of us, somehow, someway. She will forever be there to guide her family and friends daily, undoubtedly taking pictures from above and reminding us to continue spreading love and care for one another, just like she did so well for 65 years.

Karen was preceded in death by her father, Gerald Stevens; her precious aunt, Theresa Melgoza; her uncle, Anthony Melgoza; and her grandparents. She is survived by her loving mother, Anita Stevens; her sisters and brothers; her bestfriend-partner, Gary Schmitt; her children, Joey, Kristin, Shawn, Gary, Josh, Scott and Shelli, Jeff and Staci, and Scottie; as well as her many adored grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her grandpuppy, Chica.

Celebration of Life

Per Karen's wishes, a Celebration of Life will be held at Midstate Cartage, the place where so much of her life was spent and where people saw her the most.

To share the final details, the family will be starting a text group directly from Karen's contacts in her phone to notify everyone. Please feel free to share and forward the message to others so that we can gather to celebrate this incredible woman's life with as much laughter, love, and kindness as possible.

It's not goodbye... It's see you later... Until we meet again, sweetheart... xoxoxoxoxo