Karen Sue (DeFord) Cook, 75, of Virginia, died Monday, July 19, 2021, at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, surrounded by loved ones.
    She was born March 27, 1946, at home in Bath, the daughter of Charles “Buck” and Irene Holmes DeFord. She married Aaron “Jack” Cook on March 9, 1980, in Clinton, and he preceded her in death on April 27, 2000.
    She is survived by her four grandchildren, Jessica (Matt) Reid of Virginia, Amanda Eilers (fiancé, Andrew Fuiten) of Buffalo, Trey (Alex Anderson) Eilers of Chatham, and Cole Anderson of Springfield; five great-grandchildren, Courtney, Braden, Sean, Vayda, and River; four sisters, Sandy, Cindy, Judy, and Chrissy; four brothers, Kenny, David, Jerry Bob, and Mike; many nieces and nephews; and her best friend, Melba Bulger.
    She was preceded in death by her husband; her daughter, Michelle Merwin; two brothers, Brian “Boomer”, and Donnie; sister, Sherry; and her beloved pet, Tiki.
    She was a secretary for SIU for many years before owning and operating Karen’s Virginia Inn. Grammy was an avid reader, loved being outside, loved to bake, and enjoyed feeding and taking care of people. She also loved to sing and write.  She had an amazing sense of humor and was “queen of the one-liners.” Grammy especially loved being with her family and loved running the town with her best friend, Melba.
    A memorial service will be held at 12 p.m. Saturday, July 24, 2021, at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Virginia, with burial at Bath Cemetery. The family will meet friends from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Illinois School for the Deaf Needy Children’s Fund. Condolences may be sent at buchanancody.com.