Karen Medley, age 72, of Paducah, formally of Metropolis, Illinois, passed away on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at her home.
Karen was born in Shreveport, Louisiana on February 7, 1950 to the late Virgil Lee and Burtie Mae Sabra Touchstone Welch. She was raised in the Church of Christ. Karen loved theater and acting on stage. In her 20’s, she traveled with a theater production company that was based out of Atlanta. Karen also performed in Market House Theater productions when she was younger. She had a fondness for all animals. Over the years, Karen rehabilitated many wild animals and took in any stray animals she found as pets. She had a great love for Project Hope Humane Society in Metropolis.
Karen is survived by her husband of 43 years, Patrick James “Pat” Medley; her daughter, Whitney Bechtel (Brett) of Paducah; one son, Steven Troy Bartlett of Shreveport, Louisiana; one sister, Donna Patrick (Shelby) of Burkburnett, Texas; one brother, Thomas Steven “Skipper” Welch (Wanda) of Castor, Louisiana, one sister-in-law, Fran Welch of Dubach, Louisiana; four grandchildren, Savannah Joy Bechtel, Sydney Brooke Bechtel, Kandace Bartlett, and Lauren Bartlett; one great-grandchild, Kayson Bartlett; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by one brother, David Lee Welch, and her parents.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, May 21, 2022 at Milner & Orr Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Paducah with her daughter, Whitney giving the eulogy.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 pm until the 2:00 pm service time on Saturday, May 21, 2022 at Milner & Orr Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Paducah.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to: Project Hope Humanity Society, 1698 W 10th Street, Metropolis, Illinois, 62960 or The American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 2167, Lexington, KY 40588.