Karen Boots
Karen Boots, beloved mother, wife, and friend, was embraced by eternal peace after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She passed peacefully at her home in Quincy, Illinois, surrounded by those she loved most, at the age of 56.
Born in Quincy, Illinois, Karen was the daughter of Larry Allensworth Sr. and Nancy (Reno) Timmons.
Karen graduated from Quincy Senior High School in 1987, earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and Sociology from MacMurray College in 1990, and later completed her Master of Social Work at the University of Illinois in 2009. She dedicated more than 31 years to serving vulnerable children and families through her work with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, leaving behind a legacy defined by compassion, integrity, and unwavering commitment.
A proud Salvationist at The Salvation Army, Karen devoted countless hours to ministry and service. She volunteered faithfully as a Girl Guard leader, Sunday School teacher, and Vacation Bible School facilitator, roles through which she poured her heart and soul into the lives of young people. Whether teaching practical skills, nurturing confidence, or opening doors to new opportunities, Karen invested deeply in every child she encountered, sharing the love of Jesus and helping them draw nearer to Him. Her influence will continue to echo through the many lives she touched.
Karen is survived by her beloved husband, Leslie Boots of Quincy, Illinois, whose steadfast support shaped the lives of both her and her children. She is also survived by her three children: Jared (Becky) Colvin of Foley, Missouri; Jakin (Joshua) Logsdon of Quincy, Illinois; and Kouri (Dawn) Woods of Quincy, Illinois. Karen was blessed with fourteen grandchildren, Brock, Justice, Karmyn, Alexis, Kaylee, Lyric, Tristan, Jeslyn, Arianna, Luca, Sterling, Eleanor, Kai, and Tegan, each of whom brought immeasurable joy to her life.
She is further survived by her parents, Larry Allensworth Sr. of Joliet, Illinois, and Nancy (Reno) Timmons of Rogers, Arkansas, along with her five siblings: Larry Allensworth Jr. of Frederick, Maryland; Crystal Perez of Rogers, Arkansas; Eric (Jim) Allensworth-Loar of Olathe, Kansas; Dana (Thomas) Erickson of Joliet, Illinois; and Jennifer (Ryan) Holehan of Plainville, Illinois. Karen also leaves behind eight cherished nieces and nephews: Emma, Lorenzo, Julian, Taylor, Lorena, Tyler, Liam, and Finn.
Karen was preceded in death by her grandparents, James and Kathryn Reno and Cleo and Arlie Allensworth, as well as her stepmother, Darcel Allensworth.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 5:00 PM at The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center. Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026 from 2:00 PM until the time of services at the Worship Theatre in the Kroc Center. A reception will follow in the Meadows. Memorials are suggested to The Salvation Army Camp Mihaska in Bourbon, MO. Service arrangements for Karen Boots are with the Duker and Haugh Funeral Home.
She will be greatly missed Karen will she helped a lot of people and she did a lot of good things and her children when you look at them you can see her in them and also her grandchildren.
Karen will sorely missed. She had a very unique humor. Having worked in the trenches with her at DCFS I got to know her well. Her love for her husband was well known and her fascination with “Prince” was known to anyone who would listen. I have a special place in my heart for her children with the stories and pictures she shared. I will carry my time with her in my memories.
Karen will be missed more than words can say. She was more than my best friend, my forever friend, she was part of my family. God called her home and Heaven gained an angel. I love you Karen and I will see you again.
Am so sorry she was one of the best one I have encountered when I started going to that church and she loved my little family like we was her own she will be deeply missed
I had the pleasure of working with Karen several times over the years, she was kind, always happy and helpful. Thoughts and prayers to Karen’s family. Karen was one of the good ones. 🙏🏼
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember her from church.
Karen was so kind do me when we were fostering my niece through DCFS. I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for healing ❤️🩹
I am so sorry to read this. Karen was a good friend, who loved the Lord. I will see you on the otherside my friend.
We have been out of town for 3 weeks and are saddened by Karen’s departure from this life- as our precious caseworker, she helped our family with such a PRECIOUS gift in facilitating the adoption of our daughter, her RELENTLESS and unwavering dedication to our family with the many children she placed in our home through the foster care system. She, Les and her children became personal friends throughout the years. To her family, our deepest condolences and love towards you as you continue life in a different manner with Karen’s departure. 😢😊 I am BETTER because of Karen🎊🎊💯🙏🏾🙏🏾
RIP Karen.
Sorry to hear about this I went to school with her
Sending condolences to the family