Karen Kay Greenlee McCombs, 65, of Rushville died at 4:12 p.m. Dec. 15, 2020, at her home.Karen Kay Greenlee McCombs, 65, of Rushville died at 4:12 p.m. Dec. 15, 2020, at her home.
She was born July 17, 1955, in Algona, Iowa, a daughter of Darrell Eugene and Rosina Baer Greenlee. She married James McCombs on March 29, 1974, in Rushville. He survives.
Also surviving are two daughters, Rachel (and Sgt. 1st Class Dustin) Robertson of Colona and Rebekah (and Steven) Wright of Milan; three sisters, Teresa Toland of Quincy, Darlene (and Randy) Royalty of Ursa and Connie Vermeire of Quincy; three grandchildren; and two step grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and three sisters, Rose Ann Liesen, Linda Busen and Mary Ann Greenlee.
She was a 1973 graduate of Rushville High School and received her Bachelors in Education Degree from Western Illinois University in 1977. She first worked as learning resource teacher for Schuyler School District. In 1980, she began teaching at Plymouth, where she taught second, fourth and fifth grades until 1994. During this time, she received a Masters of Education Degree from Western Illinois University. From 1994 to 2006, she served as the grade school and high school principal for the Virginia School District.
She was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Rushville, where she served as a Lector and Eucharist minister. She also was a member of the St. Rose Altar and Rosary Society and Phi Kappa Phi. Professionally, she was a member of the Illinois Education Association, the National Education Association and the Illinois Principals Association.
A private family Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church with Father Adam Stimpson as celebrant. Burial was in the Rushville City Cemetery. A recording of the mass is posted on the funeral home website. A rosary was recited following the visitation. Wood Funeral Home in Rushville was in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to the Karen Kay McCombs Future Educators Scholarship, with checks being made payable to the Schuyler County Community Foundation.
You are invited to share your memories of Karen, leave condolences and view her memorial video at www.woodfh.net.
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