Karen Gale TINKLER

July 2, 1956 - October 26, 2020

Karen Gale Tinkler, formerly of West York, Illinois, was born on July 2, 1956 in Lorain, Ohio and entered into a peaceful rest on Monday, October 26, 2020 at Select Specialty Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Tinkler, father Rev. Daniel Workman, mother Nora Workman, sisters Donna Prater, Janice Workman, and Deborah Gales, and brother-in-law John Tinkler. She is survived by her siblings Dan (Nancy) Workman, Charley Workman, Ross (Carol) Prater, and Dorothea Tinkler; her children Patty (Bill) Vasili, Kathy (Don) Holmes, Robin (Brian) Housey, Jason Selby, Tammy Horwath, John Horwath, and Janeen (James) Sinkler along with many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Karen was a mother figure to many. She cared deeply for others and never wanted anyone to go without. Her greatest wish was to see her family together, laughing and joking over a meal she'd prepared. She was an amazing cook and loved feeding those she cared for. Her kitchen was a place of love and happiness, just like the ideal “Grandma's kitchen”. When her family was asked how to describe Karen, there was no shortage of kind words and fond memories shared. Some key words were: kind, humorous, beautiful, gracious, humble, loving, easy to talk to, a great listener, amongst many others. She found great joy in watching children she loved grow and learn. She especially liked going to the park and swinging with them on a beautiful day (even if they told her “jump off, old lady!”) She was a voice of encouragement and gave helpful advice to get you through tough times. Her laugh was contagious and would light up a room. When you were with her, you felt like you were home. She made a lasting impression on anyone who had the privilege to meet her. She was strong and selfless. Her greatest gift was her overabundance of love and kindness. Karen was an amazing woman and will be remembered fondly.