Karen Donnelly

Karen Donnelly, 83, passed away April 20, 2024, with family by her side. Private family services will be held, and Karen will be buried alongside her parents at the Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your favorite charity in Karen’s honor.

Karen Kay Anderson was born, the only child, of Thomas and Letha Anderson on March 18, 1941. She was raised in Oskaloosa, Iowa. In her youth, Karen enjoyed playing the organ and singing at the Baptist Church and at various weddings and funerals over the years. Karen graduated alongside the Oskaloosa High School class of 1959. She continued her education at William Penn University. 

Karen married and had one daughter, Shelley. Karen enjoyed being a stay-at-home mother for 18 years. Once Shelley was grown, Karen started volunteering her time with the Des Moines General Hospital Guild and later was employed by the General Hospital gift shop, where she made many friendships. She also worked for    Richman Gordman department store until her retirement.

Karen enjoyed working around her yard and attending her grandchildren and great grandchildren’s activities and sporting events. She also frequently visited her family farm and often drove the hour-long drive just to walk the land.

Above all else, Karen loved spending time with her daughter, grandsons, and great grandchildren. She made many memories with them over the years. Those memories and her generous spirit will be fondly remembered by those she leaves behind. 

Karen is survived by her daughter, Shelley (Mark) Henry; grandsons, Tyler Henry and Joshua (Stephanie) Henry; and great grandchildren: Will, Marshall, and Coleson. She was preceded in death by her parents and her great granddaughter, Rory.