Karen Fern Blake, 64, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away on Friday, May 2, 2025 at Linda E. White Hospice House in Evansville, IN surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on April 13, 1961 in Mount Carmel, Illinois, the daughter of Richard and Kathryn (Wall) Banks. Karen married Ed Blake and he preceded her in death in 2012. She married Eric Mensah-Sowah and he survives.
Karen will be fondly remembered for her sweet spirit and the genuine kindness she extended to everyone around her. Though she cherished her small-town roots, Karen had a deep love for exploring the world. She found joy in her travels, especially to Africa, Belize, and Mexico—places that spoke to her adventurous heart. A true lover of the outdoors, Karen found peace and fulfillment in nature. She especially loved being by the water fishing, mushroom hunting and tending to her garden. She was very fond of animals, especially her fur babies, Kamie and Sammie. Above all, Karen’s greatest love was her family. She was a faithful member of the Free Methodist Church in Mount Carmel. Karen’s kindness and loving spirit will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Karen will be remembered by her husband, Eric Mensah-Sowah of Mount Carmel; three sisters, Shirley Melhiser of Petersburg, IN, Sandy Weaver and husband, Fred of Plainfield, IN, Vonda Friedt and husband, David of Elizabethtown, IL; many loved cousins, nieces and nephews.
Karen was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Isreal Richard Burton.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a Visitation from 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home.
Funeral Services will be 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home with Pastor Michael Thompson officiating. Burial will follow at Friendsville Cemetery with Brother Bill Reed officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made in Karen’s memory to Safe Haven Women’s Shelter. 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 Blake family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com
