Karla L. Clodfelter

Karla L. Clodfelter, 59, of Rock Island, Illinois passed on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at her residence.

Cremation will take place at Trimble Crematory, Moline, Illinois, under the direction of Cremation Society of the Quad Cities. Memorials may be made to Drew Jarding for a fund to be established in Karla’s Memory.

Karla Lynn Clodfelter was born on March 3, 1967, in Moline, Illinois, the daughter of Kenneth Reem and Sharon Lee Sears. After high school, Karla completed cosmetology school and went on to explore many different career paths throughout her life. She bartended at several establishments throughout the Quad Cities, including The Palace Tavern and Governor’s Bar & Grill.

She had a green thumb and found joy in spending time in her garden. She also shared a special friendship with Steve, traveling far and wide to see their favorite band, Blue October, whenever they performed within a three-hour radius; attending more than 20 concerts together. Music was always a big part of Karla’s life, and her sister, Shayleen, often called her “Sweet Soul Sister,” inspired by a song from another of Karla’s favorite bands, The Cult. She enjoyed a good horror movie and treasured the simple moments spent with those she loved most. Above all else, Karla loved being a mother to Drew. He is her greatest accomplishment, and she could not have been more proud of the man he has become.

Karla is survived by her son, Drew Jarding of San Diego, California; her sister, Shayleen Crausby of Rock Island, Illinois; and longtime family friend, Steve Varner. She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth Reem and Sharon Clodfelter; and a sister, Deborah Randall.

Condolences may be shared at CremationQC.com.

A letter from Steve Varner:

The Karla I knew and cared so much about was a "free spirit" who enjoyed a good laugh and usually her heartiest ones were at her dear friend's expense/pain (me/Steve).. I remember a particular time her "miracle" son, Drew, herself, and yours truly were at a park and I ran into a seesaw or something and hit my shin and down I went! No. "u okay?" just bust out hearty laugh.. the pain was worth her laughter tho.. I had written a piece to try and motivate her when she was going thru a rough time many years ago and the theme was "Don't give up, don't ever give up" which was a key phrase from a basketball coach's memorable speech who had terminal cancer.. She hung it in many places to remind herself.. She faced some hard physical/mental challenges over the last several years, although her body finally gave out and she got peace, BUT, she NEVER gave up! God rest her soul as she hangs out with her dear Mother, Sharon. She will be missed by the remaining piece of "the unit": Shayleen; her amazingly smart/caring son, Drew; and of course, Me! I am proud to have joined her at a few concerts of her favorite band, Blue October... RIP Karla, you deserve it.