Karen M. Shanks, age 54, lost her battle with mental illness on Saturday, March 2, 2019 at her home in Merrimac.  She was born Feb. 23, 1965 in Chicago, Illinois.  Karen graduated from Sauk Prairie High School; class of 1983.  She enjoyed being a caregiver and formerly worked as a CNA for Maplewood Nursing Home in Sauk City and in the Madison area for many years.  Karen later did prep cooking at both Devil's Head and at Petro in Portage with her mom.  From a young age she enjoyed music and the performing arts.  She participated in Marching Band and the many musicals at school.  She had a love for musicals with her favorites The Wizard of OZ and the Sound of Music playing through the house for many years.  Karen could often be found watching movies, was an avid reader and wrote often in her journals.  She had a love for snacking on her peanut butter M&M's, lemon drops or beef jerky.  Karen was a member of the Merrimac Methodist Church.

Karen is survived by her father, Alan Shanks; sister, Shellie (John) Benish Jr., and brother, Bill Shanks; 3 nephews, Tyler Shanks, Kyle and John III "JJ" Benish; niece Jamie (Chad) Reihbrandt and great niece, Alice; her very special friend Adele Ladkin from England and her faithful pups, Poppy and Buddy.

She was preceded in death by her mom, Cindy Shanks on March 15, 2018.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on March 16, 2019 at Merrimac United Methodist Church, 25 Church St., Merrimac with Pastor Roxi Gnatzig officiating.  A visitation will be held from 10:00 am until the time of service with luncheon to follow at the Merrimac Village Hall.  Interment will be held at a later date in the Merrimac Oak Hill Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made at hooversonfuneralhomes.com