Karen Olga McNew, 77

A memorial service for Karen Olga McNew, 77, of Ava, was held Aug. 8, 2022 at Clinkingbeard Funeral Home in Ava with Rev. E. J. Hampton officiating.  Burial will be in the Souder Cemetery at a later date.

Karen died Aug. 1 at her home in Ava. She was born Nov. 24, 1944, in Hillsboro, Illinois, to John Cass and Olga (Werner) Eliason. 

Karen was a Christian and when able she attended the Souder Church of Christ.

On Dec. 2, 1965, Karen Eliason and Larry Lee McNew, Sr. were married in Springfield, Illinois, and they had three children.

The couple had a pawn shop on the Gainesville square for many years. 

Karen worked as a registered nurse for 50 years. 

She loved cooking, baking, going to yard sales and taking care of her cats. Most of all she loved her family, especially her grandchildren.  

Karen is survived by her son Jim McNew and wife Melissa; grandchildren,: Dezerah and Jake Gilleland, Dr. William Jarad Raney, Brandon McNew, Morgan McNew and fiancé Chase, Meagan McNew, Katie McNew and J.T. McNew; great-granddaughter Willow Gilleland; son-in-law Jack Beard; daughter-in-law Lisa McNew; best friend Martha Shumate; wonderful neighbors Mike and Tammy; and a host of other relatives and friends.     

She was preceded in death by her ex-husband Larry; daughter Rebecca Beard; son Larry Lee McNew, Jr., and brother Dale Eliason. 

Memorials can be made to the Wounded Warrior Fund or American Cancer Society.  

Cremation services for Karen are being conducted by Clinkingbeard Funeral Homes in Ava. Online condolences may be made to www.clinkingbeardfuneralhome.com.