Karen D. Dust, 83 of Effingham, passed away Monday, December 23, 2024 at St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital in Effingham.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Friday, January 3, 2025 at Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham with burial in St. Anthony Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm Thursday at the funeral home.

Karen, affectionately known as KayKay, was born September 26, 1941 in East St. Louis, the daughter of Jess W. and Ruth (Miller) Bowlin. She married Richard Joseph "Dick" Dust on May 20, 1967 and he preceded her in death in 2021. Karen was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Effingham. She worked at the old Murphy store before retiring from Martin's IGA after 25 years as a cook.

Karen is survived by her children, Cheri (Andy) Kistler of Effingham, Rich (Angela) Dust of Watson, Tim (Rosa) Dust of Watson, and Matt (Sara) Dust of Bloomington; grandchildren, Taylor, Brooke (Dalton), Rhett, Raegan, Jessica, Trevin, Ethan, Alex and Luke; great-grandchildren, Emma and Sage; brother, Jim (Carolyn) Bowlin of Effingham, and several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Richard; grandson, Will; step-father, Sylvester "Pete" Koester; in-laws, Lawrence and Mary Dust; and her beloved Yorkie named Little Buddy Bandit.