Karen Kay Churchman

Karen Kay Churchman, a resident of Bella Vista, Ark., was born October 11, 1971 in Tallahassee, Fla. to Herbert G. Churchman and Kathlyn M. (Churchman) Tillman. She passed away on March 21, 2015 at Mercy Hospital in Rogers, Ark. after a brief hospital stay. Preceded in death by her father, Herb Churchman, and stepfather, Dr. Ernest Tillman; paternal grandparents, Herbert O. and Mary Churchman; and maternal grandparents, Herman L. and Marie Ackerman; and nephew Joshua Giffin. Karen, affectionately known as KK, is survived by her mother, Kathlyn M. Tillman; her siblings: K. Gayle Machetta and husband Peter of Henryetta, Okla., Kimberly D. Denham and husband Robin of Medora, Ill., Daniel L. Churchman and wife Leigh of Birmingham, Ala., and Joanne Berry and husband David of Edwardsville, Ill., Carol Haukap of St. Louis, Mo., Paul Tillman and wife Jane of St. Peters, Mo., Richard Tillman and wife Tereasa of Federal Way, Wash., and their collective 16 children who were Karen's nieces and nephews, and 13 great nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her fiancé, T.J. Bruce, and his children, Audrey, Nathan, and Jacob and their extended family. A host of aunts and uncles, cousins, and dear friends are also among her loved ones. Karen graduated from Alton Sr. High School in Alton, Ill. in 1989 where she was a member of the Marching 100 Band and Encounter Christian Musical Ministry. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Marketing from the University of Oklahoma in 1993 where she played clarinet as a member of the Pride of Oklahoma marching band. During her collegiate years, she was an active member of the Tau Beta Sigma band sorority and the Delta Sigma Pi business fraternity. Holding various positions as a Wal Mart associate, she moved to Bella Vista in 2002 and completed her Certification as a Human Resources Professional in 2011. She was an accomplished vocal and instrumental musician and published poet. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, Sooner sports, St. Louis Cardinals Baseball, NFL football, NASCAR, golf, Canasta, and most of all, entertaining her family and loved ones. Karen was a member of St. Stephen's Parish of Bentonville, Ark. A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2015 at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen's Parish, 1300 NE J St, Bentonville, AR 72712, followed by a private interment at Roselawn Cemetery in Bethalto, Ill. in May. Funeral Services are under the discretion of Bella Vista Funeral Home of Bella Vista, Ark. In lieu of flowers, the family has designated memorial contributions to be made to the Nomad Shrine Club Transportation Fund of Bella Vista, c/o Phil Grier, 2 Barra Lane, Bella Vista, AR 72715. On-line condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.