Karen Shurtz, age 75, passed away at her home in Ramer on April 12, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. Born on July 5, 1950, in Christopher, Illinois. Karen was a graduate of Sesser-Valier High School in 1968. She later took college classes and became a well respected paralegal, specializing in wills, trusts, estate plannings, and deeds.
Karen will be remembered as a hard-working, devoted woman and momma who carried herself with steady strength and purpose. She was a faithful and independent military wife, who offered unwavering support and resilience through the demands of military life. She had a strong and fierce love for her children, grandbabies, and great grandbaby.
Karen also found joy in the simple, meaningful comforts of everyday life. She loved to quilt, can, and was always looking to take advantage of a sale at Kroger’s, a small pleasure that reflected her practical spirit and attentive care for her home and family.
Karen was preceded in death by her father, Donald Richard Basso, who she is now joyfully fishing with and eating the best tomato sandwiches, as well as her paternal and maternal grandparents.
Karen is survived by her husband of 43 years, Wayne Shurtz; mother, Beverly Jean Basso; daughters, Jean Buffkin and her husband Joey who she claimed as her own son, Stacee Reveron and her husband Errick; Sarah Fuller, and Mariah Anderson; son, Donny Shurtz; special daughter in law, Tessa Shurtz; grandchildren- Tristin, Joseph, Jr., Cheyanne, and Isaiah Buffkin; Aydenn, Emma, Edgar, and Samantha Reveron; Eian, Judah, Asher, Bonnie, and Nathan Shurtz; great-grandchild, Oliver Buffkin; brother, Richard Basso (Sandy) and sister, Jeanne Wright (Chuck); she was a Momma K to many more family and friends.
A memorial service will be announced at a later date.
Arrangements are under the care of Memorial Funeral Home.
