KAREN STONE, a familiar face to generations of students and residents in the Peoria area, died peacefully on Monday, Aug. 24, 2026. She was 83. A native of Chestnut and a lifelong educator, Stone spent much of her career shaping young people at East Peoria Community High School and remained an engaged member of the community through friendships and family ties in the region.
Early life and education
Stone was born Aug. 7, 1943, in Chestnut, Illinois, to Harold and Hulda (Krause) Schaffenacker. She graduated from East Peoria Community High School in 1961 and earned her undergraduate degree in education from Eureka College in 1965, where she belonged to the Delta Delta Pi sorority. Later, she furthered her training with a master’s degree in teaching from Illinois State University.
Career in local schools
Stone devoted much of her professional life to teaching. According to her obituary, she taught at East Peoria Community High School for 24 years, from 1985 until 2009. Those years placed her in the classroom for a span of generations — students, colleagues and families in the Peoria area frequently crossed paths with her during that period.
Her colleagues and former students are likely to remember her for the combination of dedication to learning and a personality that could brighten a room. The obituary highlights that she "loved learning, loved her students, and took great pride in the many young lives she touched throughout her career." That way of teaching — committed yet approachable — anchored her reputation locally.
Family, friendships and interests
On April 8, 1967, Stone married Keith Stone. She is survived by her daughter, Mindy (Mike Richardson) Stone of Estes Park, Colorado; and her son, Barry Stone of Peoria, Illinois. The obituary also notes the importance of animals in her life — she is survived by her cherished granddogs, who provided her much joy.
Longstanding friendships were a defining feature of Stone’s personal life. She stayed close with a circle of lifelong friends known as the "Big Girls," friendships that the obituary says began in grade school and high school and endured for decades.
"Life, in Karen’s view, was meant to be enjoyed."
That sentiment captured her appreciation for small pleasures: books, travel, sweets and the occasional martini. She was also described as witty until the end, with a quick sense of humor and an independent, generous nature.
- Born: Aug. 7, 1943, Chestnut, Illinois
- Died: Aug. 24, 2026
- Education: East Peoria Community High School (1961), Eureka College (B.Ed., 1965), Illinois State University (master’s in teaching)
- Career: Teacher at East Peoria Community High School, 1985–2009
- Survivors: Daughter Mindy (Mike Richardson) Stone, son Barry Stone, granddogs, lifelong friends known as the "Big Girls"
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1943 | Born in Chestnut, Illinois |
| 1961 | Graduated East Peoria Community High School |
| 1965 | Graduated Eureka College (B.Ed.) |
| 1967 | Married Keith Stone |
| 1985–2009 | Taught at East Peoria Community High School |
| 2026 | Died Aug. 24 |
Visitation details were included in the formal obituary; family asks that those who remember her consider recalling the ways she celebrated reading, travel and the companionship of animals. Her obituary emphasizes that she will be remembered for her intelligence, humor, independence and generosity.
For many in Peoria and East Peoria, Stone’s legacy will be the students she taught and the friendships she maintained. Her combination of professional commitment and relish for life’s small pleasures is likely to remain part of the community memory for years to come.
Those seeking additional information about services or wishing to share remembrances are directed to the published obituary listing on the funeral provider’s website.
