Karen S. Underwood's Obituary
Karen Sue Underwood (Nanny & Mimi), 64, of Decatur, IL, passed away with her family by her side at the Loft of Decatur on April 6, 2026.
Karen was born on March 4, 1962, to James Melhorn and Elizabeth Melhorn. Karen attended Eisenhower High School where she earned her diploma.
Karen worked for CHELP as a caregiver for many years. She changed job careers to the food industry. She was loved by so many. If you knew Karen, she loved her babies (granddaughters). They were all she talked about. The girls were her world. Karen loved spending time with her family and her fur granddogs (Dozer & Willow). She loved spending time with her babies (granddaughters).
Karen is survived by her mother, Elizabeth Melhorn; children, Shelbi Jones (Reno), Tyler Underwood (her dog Zoey); brother, Tim Melhorn; granddaughters, Taylor Lilly (Tater Bugs), Brooklynn Jones (Cookie), Jordyn Smith (Jordy Cole), Kinzlynne Jones (Doodle); her adopted daughter, Angela Reynolds, as she would call her; her favorite neighbors, Amanda Carry, Danny Diggs, and Kathy Scuster (Ambria & Skyleigh).
Karen was preceded in death by her father, James Earl Melhorn.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Galloway Park for balloon release following a memorial on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 2:00pm.
The family would like to thank all of the staff at the Loft of Decatur for all of the love, care, and support they have given Karen and the family.
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