Karen Lucille (Sawyer) Wharton, age 82, of Mason, Illinois passed away at 12:25pm Monday, September 7, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

A private family memorial service will be held at Mahon Cemetery in rural Edgewood. In lieu of flowers, memorials may go to Mahon Cemetery or HSHS Hospice of Effingham. Online condolences may be left at www.pagelfuneralhome.com

Karen was born on March 5, 1944, in St. Elmo, Illinois, the daughter of Louis D. Sawyer and V. Lucille (Mattix) Sawyer. She married Morris Wharton on August 19, 1962, in St. Elmo, Illinois and they celebrated 60 years together before his death in May, 2023.

She is survived by their children, Shawn Wharton (wife, Laura) of Mason, Brooke Wharton of Effingham, and Nikki Quandt (husband, Chris) of Effingham. Her greatest joy in life was being Grandma to eight grandchildren, Brent Miller (wife, Kayla), Ashley Wharton, Colin Miller (wife, Katie), Devan Quandt, Ali Wharton, Braeden Quandt (Kenzie Reynolds), Peyton Quandt (fiancé Clay Conner), and Sophia Seagle; along with 4 great-grandchildren, Aiden Holste, Lucas, Mason and Leila Miller.

She was proceeded in death by her husband, Morris; her parents, Louis and Lucille; brothers-in-law, Raleigh “Gene” Wharton and Maurice Stock, sisters-in law, Harriett Wharton and Doris Stock.