Karen Aanerud Sanders, 76, of Rock Island, passed this life on March 23, 2020 at UnityPoint Health – Trinity, Rock Island, following a short illness.  Cremation rites have been accorded.  A celebration of life service will be announced at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in care of the American Kidney Foundation.  Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Rock Island, is assisting the family.

Karen was born in Jamestown, New York on February 14, 1944, a daughter of Henry "Hank" A. and Ilene May Jorenby Aanerud.  She married Donald Payton on January 25, 1995 in Rock Island.

Karen was a retired nurse and a member of Mensa.  She proudly served as a Navy Reservist.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Donald L. Payton, Rock Island; children, Joyce Batterson, Kansas, Tera (Troy) Schmelzer, Tennessee, Deren (Michelle) Batterson, Davenport and Tana (Tommy) Sanders, Tennessee; 18 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and numerous fur babies.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters.