Karen Griffeth

Karen Annette Twaddle Griffeth, age 80, of Bradenton, Florida, passed on March 16, 2026, at Blake Hospital.

She was born on April 22, 1945, in Long Beach, California. The eldest of five children to Robert Lee Twaddle and Maxine Marieda John Twaddle.

She attended Plymouth, Illinois schools graduating from Plymouth High School in 1963. After graduation Karen worked with Mildred Cox filling vending machine and later Dale and Margie Griffeth's grocery store.

In 1965, Karen married William "Bill" Griffeth. Together they had two daughters, Angela and Corina. The family moved to Palmetto, Florida, in 1980. Karen began working at Tropicana Products until she retired in 2000. Karen and Bill loved to travel and race stock cars. She won many events in the Powder Puff Division. Later in life, they enjoyed showing off their classic cars. Upon retiring she became involved in her retirement community, participating in shuffleboard, bingo, Mexican Train Dominos, Mahjong and other events. Karen also enjoyed volunteering at her daughter's preschool and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Karen is survived by her husband Bill, and two daughters, Angela Gilmore, Asheville, NC; and Corina (Billy) White, Palmetto, FL. Four grandchildren, Amy (Will)
Deter, Asheville, NC; Jennifer Dale, Palmetto, FL; Brianna Harber, Bradenton, FL and Austin Dale, Connecticut.

She is also survived by three sisters, Teresa Ballas, Augusta, IL; Bobette (Bob) Smith, Winterhaven, FL; Kris Kessler, Macomb, IL; and one brother, John Twaddle, Augusta, IL. And many nieces, nephews and other extended family.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents and a nephew, Ian Ballas.

Please join the family for Karen's Celebration of Life on Saturday, June 20th at 11:00 am at Augusta Senior Citizen Center, 804 Main Street, Augusta, IL.