Karen Carey

Karen Carey

Karen Carey Obituary

Visit the Williamson, Spencer and Penrod Funeral Homes - Portland Chapel website to view the full obituary.

Karen Carey, age 80, a resident of Portland, passed away on January 28, 2026 at her home.

Karen was born March 20, 1945 in Portland, Indiana the daughter of Lyman Fredrick Barnett and Selma Barnett-Sheffer. Karen graduated from Portland High School. She worked for Goodwill, Marsh, and Ft. Recovery Industries in Fort Recovery, Ohio; Karen retired from CTS in Berne and then retired from Walmart in Portland. Karen was a past member of Salamonia Lutheran Church in Salamonia and was a past member of the 4-H Horse and Pony, 4-H Color Guard, and Women’s Club where she made beautiful quilts for many years.

Survivors include:

Son: Brad Iliff (wife Shana) – Portland, Indiana

Daughter: Kristi Post – Fort Recovery, Ohio

Sister: Peggy Lyons – Pendleton, Indiana

5 grandchildren: Brice Vance (wife Lauren), Blake Raney, Alivia Iliff, Blake Iliff, and Madison Iliff

2 great grandchildren: Oliver and Malcolm Vance

She was preceded in death by her parents

Celebration of life will be held Friday, March 20, 2026 from 5-8 p.m. at Union Chapel Church in Bryant.

Arrangements handled by Williamson-Spencer and Penrod Funeral Home in Portland

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