Karen Mayberry

Karen Sue (Freytag) Mayberry, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, passed away on Sunday, November 30, 2025, in her home, surrounded by her family.
Karen was born on October 10, 1955, in Mount Vernon, Illinois, the daughter of Rev. Robert and Sue (Hughey) Freytag. She graduated from Mount Vernon Township High School in 1973 and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in Chemistry from Blackburn College.
On May 10, 1980, Karen married the love of her life, Rickey Eugene Mayberry, in Mount Vernon, with her father, Rev. Robert Freytag, officiating. This year, Karen and Rick joyfully celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary. Their love story was one many admired steadfast, joyful, and ever-present in everything they did together. They raised three devoted daughters Lexi, Kaci, and Kenzi, and were blessed with five grandchildren who brought endless joy to their lives. For the past 13 years, Karen and Rick rarely missed an event, cheering on their grandchildren with pride and excitement.
Karen began her career at Vanex in Mount Vernon in 1978, where she met Rick. She later worked for Nestlé in Granite City, Illinois, before returning home to work at ARDL for 16 years. She also spent time at The Williamson Company and Harvey Law Offices before enjoying her well-earned retirement.
Those who knew Karen will forever remember her infectious smile and the happiness she brought to every room. She loved the beach her true happy place where the warmth, sand, sun, and ocean gave her peace and joy. Karen enjoyed Cardinals baseball games, Richard Marx concerts, cheering for the Kansas City Chiefs, visiting wineries, playing Solitaire, and highly competitive Uno games with her grandchildren. Movie theater popcorn and Skittles were her favorite snacks.
Her circle of close girlfriends brought her adventure, comfort, and laughter; she treasured each one deeply. Time with family was what made her happiest. Her daughters were her light, and she was immensely proud of the families they built. She shared a special bond with her sister, Lisa, cherishing every visit, phone call, and conversation.
Retirement with Rick brought simple joys; soap operas, day dates, shopping for their new home, and many trips to St. Louis for treatment. Though the treatments were difficult, Karen always looked forward to their overnight stays at the DoubleTree and sneaking a few extra warm chocolate chip cookies into her purse.
Karen loved her husband, children, grandchildren, sister, nieces and nephews, and friends with all her heart. She will be missed beyond measure.
Survivors include: Her husband, Rick Mayberry; Her daughters, Lexi (Ryan) Brumbaugh, Kaci (Kenny) Beal, and Kenzi Mayberry; Her grandchildren, Owen and Maddox Beal, and Christian, Lucy, and Ledger Brumbaugh; Her sister, Lisa (John) Ellis; Her nieces and nephews, Zane (Matt) Reynolds, Blaze (Christin) Ellis, and Jagger Ellis.
She was preceded in death by: Her parents, Rev. Robert and Sue Freytag, and her brother, Kevin Freytag.
A Visitation will be held Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Hughey Funeral Home. A service will follow at 1:00 p.m., officiated by Annelle Ruemmler, also at Hughey Funeral Home. Interment will take place at Oakwood Cemetery.
Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.