Karen Dee Peugh

Karen Dee (Bryant) Peugh, 69, of Sterling, Illinois passed away Monday, July 21, 2025 at Rock River Hospice and Home, Sterling. Karen was born on September 7, 1955 in Chicago, Illinois. SHe was the daughter of Norvelle and Dorothy (Wheeler) Bryant and married Merle Peugh on December 4, 1933 in Sterling, Illinois.

Karen was a 1973 graduate of Senn High School and received her associates degree from Sauk Valley Community College. Karen met Merle while working at a Chicago real estate firm managing high-rise condominiums. After marrying Merle, they moved his family farm north of Sterling where Karen fell in love with the beauty and views of the farm.

For twenty years Karen was owner, breeder and proprietor of Kitambi Rhodesian Ridgebacks. As a Breeder of Merit, her breeder’s legacy include ten Champions, two International Champions and a vast gift of love with each puppy bred through the years of Kitambi.

After Kitambi, she started working as a Medical Coder, first at Rockford Memorial Hospital and then from home before she officially retired in the Spring of 2025.

Karen is survived by her husband Merle; her son Tyler (Mattie Miller) Peugh; her sisters, Christine Kramer, Stacy Carson and Shelly Bryant; sister-in-law Barbara Bryant and her many nieces and nephews.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Steven Bryant and brother-in-law Robert Kramer.

Karen had a loving and caring spirit that was apparent to those that knew her best.

Celebration of Life will be held from 1-3 PM Thursday, August 14, 2025 at Schilling Funeral Home, 702 First Avenue, Sterling, IL 61081.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue.

Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com.