Karen Kay Thornton Freeman
September 30, 2011
Karen Kay Thornton Freeman, 67, passed away at her home September 30, 2011.
Karen was born February 16, 1944, in Des Moines to Irvin and Rose (McNeely) Thornton. She worked for Northwestern Bell and US West for 29 years. Karen enjoyed spending time with her family and pets, gardening, meeting with friends and going to casinos.
Karen is survived by her daughter, Melissa; son, Christopher (Narthlada); grandsons, Andrew and Julian; sisters, Wilma Johnson and Shirley Havens; and a host of other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Barbara Wike, Bonnie Pontisso, Minnie Warner, Colleen Knouf, Patricia Watson and infant sister, Delores Thornton; and her brother, Edward Thornton.
Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Monday, October 3, 2011, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, followed by burial at Laurel Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Rescue League in loving memory of Karen.
Online condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Pam Dearden Conner
10/03/2011
Missy & Chris: I am so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. I did not know until tonight or I would have been at the visitation or funeral.I have so many fond memories of our childhood at your house. Your mom was a great person and I always enjoyed when I would run into her.
You all are in my prayers. I know this is not an easy time and nothing can make you feel better.It was so kind of you to come to Tracy's visitation and I will never forget it.
Love,
Pam
Betsy
10/02/2011
Sorry to her the loss of your loved one, she will be greatly missed by Coral & Joann. Karen was an extremely great friend, wonderful neighbor and always remember Charlie.
You and your family our in prayers.
McCabe, Carver & Graspy families
Debbie Pontisso
10/02/2011
Dearest Missy and Chris,
My heart is breaking over the loss of your beloved mother...my wonderful, funny, lovable Aunt Karen. Missy, I'm particularly grieved that you endured the shock of finding her gone from this world but, God bless His infinite grace, I'm glad that she went peaceafully in her own home and surrounded by her pets.
Chris, may you have the comfort of knowing that God gave her just enough time to make the trip to Minnesota to hold her new grandson. I was with her at dad's house when she got the call from Missy that Julian had been born. Boy did we celebrate!!! The happiness that overcame her was complete!
Andy, she adored you and was so proud that you landed a good job and had your own apartment! She believed in you and loved you very much.
As for the rest of the extended Thornton family, our shared loss is indescribable. The shining light of our family has been extinguished. We will all miss her stories, quick wit and humor. If anyone embodied Grandpa Thornton it was Aunt Karen.
Missy and Chris, your mother was so proud of you both and loved you with all of her heart. I want you to know that because we always talked about you.
In honor of your mother and in lieu of flowers, I will be planting a dogwood tree (appropriate given her love of dogs - lol!) next to the tree I planted in my front yard in memory of my own mother..her sister.
God bless you.
Love, Debbie Pontisso
Kathryn Geneser-Freerksen
09/30/2011
So sorry to hear of your mothers passing. I remember her from my childhood days at Aunt Colleens House. Karen was a very kind woman, always had a smile and kind word. My prayers are with you.