Karen Sue Dobson, 69, of Scales Mound, IL passed away April 22, 2026 at OSF Saint Anthony Hospital in Rockford, IL.

She was born on August 30, 1956 in Sycamore, IL raised together by Dennis and Ruth Stover.

Karen grew up in Sycamore, IL; where she graduated high school, met lifelong friends, and even came back to teach. She attended Eastern Illinois University where she pursued her teaching degree. She taught in Sycamore for just one year, then moved up to the small village of Scales Mound, IL where she would continue teaching while making many impacts on students and the Scales Mound community. After 35 years in the classroom, she eventually retired.

Karen enjoyed watching any Chicago team sport, but especially loved her Chicago Bears. Giraffes were her favorite, gnomes a close second, but her most favorite thing of all was her 5 nieces and nephews. She was their biggest cheerleader in everything they did; on or off the field, in academics, in their jobs, and just any aspect of their lives. She hated being the center of attention, but we loved making her it. You didn't have to know her to love her, she was truly the best.

Survivors include her sister; Sandy Stover (Dan), brother; Randy Stover, her nieces/nephews; Paul Wilkinson (Jordan), Austin Contreras, Brooke Stover (Anthony), Brianna Stover (Riley), Brandi Stover (Gavin), great nieces/nephews, aunt; Jennie Smith, several cousins, and many close friends; Robin Jones, Nancy Brashaw, Mike (Robin) Rothamer.

She was preceded in death by her father, mother, along with several aunts and uncles.

Per Karen's wishes, there will be no services. Possible celebration of life in the future.

Our family would like to say many thanks to all of the staff at OSF Saint Anthony for taking such good care of Karen in her final days, she had nothing but great things to say about the care she received.

To sign the online guest or share a special memory- go to www.ButalaFuneralHomes.com