Karen was born in Petrolia, Illinois. After graduating high school, she moved around Southern Illinois before settling in Mount Carmel, where she raised her two children, Jerrod and Zoey. She later moved to Fort Wright, Kentucky, followed by Spring Hill and Hendersonville, Tennessee, before settling in Stanford, Kentucky, to be closer to her children, where she remained for the rest of her life.
Karen is survived by her husband, Joe Peach, 72; her son, Jerrod Peach, 42; her daughter, Zoey Peach, 32; and her grandson, Finn Peach, 13. She was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Loretta McAdow, and her brothers, Randy and Gary McAdow.
For her entire career, Karen worked in various roles in nursing homes, particularly memorably as an activity director and an administrator for an Alzheimer's unit. She took great pride in her work and cared for all her residents deeply. As she was being cared for in her later years, her family always knew she would tell nurses and doctors how she worked in nursing homes for 30+ years and always understood some of what was going on.
Karen was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, and sports fan. As an honorary team member of the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Bears (or at least so it seemed), she was known for celebrating victories with as much enthusiasm as she brought to the anxious moments — more than once dropping to her knees when a game hung in the balance, only to be back on her feet cheering by the finish. Watching sports with her husband was a lifelong bond between them.
Karen also had a love of pop music and kept up with what was new, a trait she passed on to her son. Jerrod and Zoey particularly remember one time in Spring Hill, while playing Monopoly together, “Torn” by Natalie Imbruglia came on and the three of them belted out the lyrics in unison.
Above all, Karen cherished her family. She is remembered for her passion, her humor, her love of a good game — whether on the TV or the table — and the joy she brought to those around her. She will be deeply missed.
A Memorial Service will be held from 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., Thursday, September 10, 2026, in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Karen’s memory to PBS Foundation or St. Jude’s. Envelopes will be at the funeral home or can be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, IL 62863.
Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Karen’s tribute wall, and leave condolences for the Peach family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com
