Karen Lee Freeman (née Lybarger), beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on November 12, 2025, at the age of 81.
Karen was born on October 26, 1944, in Granite City, Illinois, to Jimmie Lybarger, Sr. and Lela Merle (Lockley) Lybarger. She grew up surrounded by faith, family, and love—values that she carried throughout her entire life.
On August 19, 1966, Karen married the love of her life, Robert E. “Bob” Freeman, in Collinsville, Illinois. Together, they built a beautiful life centered on faith, love, and family—a bond that remained unbreakable throughout nearly six decades of marriage.
Karen was the devoted mother of three children: Kristan Leigh Freeman Byrd (Warren MacArthur Byrd), Kyle William Freeman (Amy Amber Freeman, née Strong), and Kane Michael Freeman (Jennifer Renee Freeman, née York).
She was a proud and loving grandmother to Caitlin Leigh Provinzano (Byrd), Devynn Nicole Webb (Byrd), Cali Morgan Falls (Byrd), Camryn Reece Byrd, Chayse Makenna Byrd, Rae Elizabeth Clay (Byrd), Dima Hunter Byrd, Blaine Alex Byrd, Jackson MacArthur Byrd, and Cruz Robert Byrd; Sophie Jean Freeman and William Scott Freeman III; Jake Robert Freeman and Sky Allen Freeman.
Karen was further blessed with great-grandchildren who brought her immense joy: Caterina Leigh Provinzano, Remy MacArthur Webb, Jovi Nell Webb, and Theodore and Arthur Clay.
Karen is also survived by her beloved sister, Patti Jean Amsden (Lybarger), and brother-in-law, Dennis Wayne Amsden, her brother, Jimmie Lybarger, Jr., and sisters-in-law, Scottie June Freeman, Connie L. Freeman McBride and Tracy Freeman Coogan.
Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were her most treasured gifts—her prized possessions. Karen’s happiest moments were spent attending their events, celebrating their milestones, and simply being present in their lives.
Karen’s interests reflected her kind and generous heart. She loved attending her family’s activities, visiting with friends, reading, traveling, enjoying movies, theater, and music, and finding ways to help others.
Above all, Karen’s greatest passion was her relationship with her Savior. She loved Jesus deeply and lived her life as a reflection of His love and grace. Her faith was steadfast; she believed wholeheartedly in the death, burial, and resurrection of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her peaceful spirit and selfless compassion were a constant testimony to that faith. She would encourage everyone she knew to place their trust and hope in Him.
Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and her legacy a light that will continue to shine through the family and friends who loved her so dearly. She is now at peace in the presence of the One she loved the most.
Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Monday, November 17, 2025, with the Funeral Service to follow at 11:00 AM on Monday, November 17, 2025, at Highland Community Church in Highland, IL, with Pastor Mark McGranahan and Pastor Matt Embry, officiating. Interment will be at Frieden’s Cemetery in Troy, IL.
Karen requested that any donations in her memory be made to Highland Community Church, her home church, or to HIS KIDS of Highland, IL, both organizations dear to her heart.
