Karen Marie Jones, 76, of Waterloo, Iowa passed away Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at North Crest Specialty Care, following a brief stay. She was cared for by friends in her home prior to that stay.

She was born November 22, 1947, in Waterloo, Iowa, the daughter of Charles and Nell (Wright) Jones. At the age of 3, her family moved to Moline, Illinois, and she returned to Waterloo, Iowa to begin her career as a social worker in 1969.

Karen graduated from Moline High School in 1965. She attended Black Hawk College in Moline, Illinois for two years. Then she attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa for two years and earned her bachelor’s degree in social work. Karen worked at Goodwill Industries, Exceptional Persons, Inc. in Waterloo, Iowa, Hope Haven in Burlington, Iowa, and Grand JiVante in Ackley, Iowa, until retiring in 2016.

Karen was a devoted daughter, traveling to Moline frequently to visit and care for her parents when they needed her. Karen cared for her father in her home for many years after her mother passed.

Karen was an active member of First Evangelical Free Church in Cedar Falls, Iowa where she taught Sunday School and served as church meeting secretary. She enjoyed crafting, needlework, quilting, and making cards. Karen was an animal lover, saying, “They are all God’s creatures.” She especially enjoyed the companionship of her many cats over the years. Her most recent cat companion was Gracie, who she rescued from the streets of Ackley, Iowa. They shared a special bond.

She is survived by: her many cousins who reside in Missouri, Colorado, and Iowa. Being an only child, Karen’s cousins were a special part of her life. Additional survivors include many dear friends whom she also considered family.

She is preceded in death by: her parents.

A Memorial Service will be held Friday, March 1, 2024, at First Evangelical Free Church in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Inurnment will be later in Moberly, Missouri, alongside her parents. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to House of Hope, Hospitality House, or Cedar Bend Humane Society.

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