Karen Sue (Widener) Hanks

     Karen Sue Hanks age 82 of Marion, formerly of Harrisburg, passed away at 3:00 PM, on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale surrounded by her family.

     Karen was born on April 6, 1943 in Gary, Indiana to the late Adrian and Betty (Groover) Widener.  On March 20, 1960 she married Tony Hanks and he preceded her in death on November 23, 1998.  Karen was a Cosmetologist and worked for Frannie Beauty Salon for 5 years and then worked for Total Image.  She also owned her own beauty shop for a few years.  Karen later earned her LPN License.  She was a member of Christian Life Fellowship Church.  Karen enjoyed fishing of any kind; she also loved watching The Andy Griffith Show and Little House on the Prairie.  She loved her grandkids and great grandkids.        

     Karen is survived by her three sons, Tony Hanks and wife Darla of Springfield, Missouri; James Hanks and wife Kimberly of Harrisburg; Steven “George” Hanks of Harrisburg; six grandchildren, Kaitlyn Hanks of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Zachary Hanks of Portland, Oregon; Brian Hanks of Harrisburg; Adrien Hanks of Harrisburg; Jeremiah Hanks and Hannah of Harrisburg; Mallory Rose and husband Matt of Harrisburg; seven great-grandchildren, Grayson, Zurina, Violet, Hadley, Hunter, Aliza, and Erilyn; brother, Larry Widener of Evansville, Indiana; sister, Judy Widener of Marion, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.

     In addition to her parents and husband, Tony, Karen was preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Linda Hanks.

     Funeral services for Karen Sue Hanks will be held at 1 PM, on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at Stricklin Funeral Home.  Rev. Kenny Blumenstock will officiate and burial will follow in Sunset Lawn Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 11 AM to 1 PM, on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at Stricklin Funeral Home. 

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