Karen “Kay” Walton 81 of Chatham, passed away on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at her residence. She was born on September 28, 1944, in Jacksonville, IL, the daughter of Franklin “Teen” and Mary Ruth (Goff) Hall who preceded her in death.
She is survived by her three children, Todd (Molly) Walton, Robin Dougherty, and Troy (Anne) Walton. In addition to her children Karen is survived by her seven granddaughters, whom she was extremely proud of, Emily Walton, Mallory (Ryan) Hyatt, and Shannon of Lake Oswego, Oregon, Cassie (Jason) Kemp and Skylar Dougherty of Chatham, Nora Walton and Caroline Walton of Glen Carbon; additionally, she was the proudest great grandmother “Kay Kay” as she was called to Zeppelin Kemp and Haylen Kemp. She is also survived by two sisters, Patricia (Raymond), Garthaus of Industry, IL and Vicky (late husband Tom) Magro of Springfield and numerous nieces and nephews.
Kay attended Brown County High School in Mount Sterling, IL while growing up in Versailles. She met the love of her life, Ronald “Ronnie” Walton, after moving to Springfield upon high school graduation. Ronnie and Kay married in 1964 and shared twenty-three wonderful years together until he passed away in 1988. Her love for Ronnie endured throughout her final days.
Fiercely loyal and dedicated to her family, Kay focused all of her attention on her children and grandchildren after the passing of her beloved husband Ronnie. She played an integral role in the lives of her local grandchildren Cassie and Skylar whom she treated almost like her own kids. She enjoyed many trips to Oregon and loved being with family at Cannon Beach on the Oregon coast. She cherished her outings to southern Illinois and watching numerous athletic activities and events of her youngest grandchildren.
Special thanks and acknowledgement to her daughter Robin and grandchildren Cassie and Skylar for their loving care and attention to her needs during the last years of her life.
Visitation: 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. on Monday, December 8, 2025, at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield.
Funeral Service: 11:30 a.m. on Monday, December 8, 2025, at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield with Rev. Dr. Penelope Barber officiating. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
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