Karen Sue Jones' Obituary
Karen Jones passed away on Sunday, July 30, 2023 at the age of 82.
Karen Sue Sebben was born on February 23, 1941 to Geno and Evelyn (Fox) Sebben. She grew up in Seymour, Iowa where she was a talented twirler in the high school marching band. While twirling her baton at a Warrior's football game, Karen met the love of her life, Donnie Jones. The couple had a whirlwind courtship, becoming engaged on Christmas Eve and then marrying on May 23, 1959, just a few weeks after her graduation. To their union three sons were born: Donnie Merle Jr, Michael, and Chris.
During their marriage, Karen and Donnie made regular trips to Vegas. As their boys grew, the family spent countless hours on their boat the "Tammy Sue" as well as camping at the state fair and Glenwood with Donnie's siblings and their families. Karen adored her sons and watching them play sports as well as rooting with them and Donnie for the St Louis Cardinals. For their 50th anniversary the couple took their sons and families on a weekend trip to St. Louis. Ten years later in May of 2019 they marked their 60th anniversary with a dinner cruise around Rathbun Lake with family and friends.
For much of her married life, Karen's day began the same way - sitting down at her kitchen table at 5:00am to sip coffee and write in her diary. She chronicled everything... "went to three rummage sales yesterday", "had choir practice up at the church", "watched Merle coach last night. One more win and his team will be back at the state tournament". Karen made note of touching moments, like her young granddaughter calling on the phone and saying "grandma I wish I could see you" as well as the less than flattering ones, like when her four-year-old grandson got mad and called her a "mean old sea witch".
To say she had the gift of gab would be an understatement. Karen had a daily 7:00AM phone call with her sister-in-law and best friend, Joann, where the two would discuss all the latest gossip. After Joann's passing, Karen's daily calls transferred to her sons, often multiple times per day. Karen was a feisty Italian who was never afraid to tell others what she thought, like it or not. She loved her family and was proud of the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren, always making sure their news made the weekly paper.
Aside from helping her husband with his trucking business, Karen was known in the area for doing demos at Hy-Vee, Easter's and Wal-Mart. For many years she worked passing out samples to patrons of the stores and liked being able to chit chat with people while working. She was also well known for her cream cheese mints. For over 40 years, there was rarely a shower, graduation, or wedding that didn't have Karen's mints on the table. She kept track of each and every one, making more than 13,000 mints over the years for those she knew and loved.
Karen enjoyed entertaining, throwing a large party on Christmas Eve for many years. This annual event was never complete until she served her grasshoppers. She loved mowing her yard and prided herself on her gorgeous flowers. She was particularly proud of her lilac bush.
Karen was truly one of a kind.
Left to treasure memories of Karen are her sons Michael (Sandy) Jones and Chris (Sheila Davis) Jones. Grandchildren: Nicole (Jason) Klaver, Chase (Megan) Jones, Chance (Emma Vernon) Jones, Jalen Jones, Jacey (Justin) Spurgeon, Alicia (Brett) Babington and Kalea (Jake Reynolds) Jones. Great Grandchildren: Claire and Natalie Klaver, Lochlan and Elodie Jones, and Thielen and Rafe Spurgeon. Brothers: Jerry (Mary) Sebben and Dick (Lil) Sebben, as well as a host of nieces and nephews and their families.
Greeting Karen at Heaven's Gate was her devoted husband Donnie, her son Donnie Merle, and her granddaughter Michelle. Additional family preceding her in death include: her parents Geno Sebben and Evelyn Sebben, sister Patricia Sauerbry, siblings-in-law: Betty and Wayne Harbold, Neil and Ilene Jones, Dale and Eleanor Jones, Gary Jones, and Gene and Joann Glenn, as well as niece Diana Glenn.
Visitation for Karen will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville, Iowa. Memorial Service for Karen will be held at Bessie's Barn Hwy 2, Centerville, Iowa on Thursday, August 10, 2023 at 10:30 am. Committal will follow the Memorial Service at Crossroads Cemetery. Memorials may be given to John's Township for the flag project at Crossroads Cemetery, which was started by the passing of her husband in 2019. Karen's wish was to purchase additional flags to line the north side. They may be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home, ATTN: Jones family, 501 North 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.thomasfh.com or on our funeral home Facebook page.
Karen's service can be live-streamed at https://my.gather.app/remember/karen-jones-jul-2023
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