Karen Kay Chidester
July 19, 2013
Karen Kay Chidester, 74, passed away Friday, July 19, 2013, at Mercy Hospice in Johnston. She was born on February 12, 1939, to Glenn and Beatrice Hammond in Waterloo, Iowa.
Karen's passion in life was spending time connecting with her family and many friends. She had the love of her family, and always had a kind word and a smile for everyone. Karen enjoyed playing cards, bowling, and spending time at the family cabin. She was a graduate of Abraham Lincoln High School in Des Moines, and retired from accounting after 18 years at Massey Ferguson.
Karen is survived by her husband, Gordon of 40 years; her five children, Mike (Lynn) Kellner of Boonville, MO, Debbie Van Horne (Bob) Pastorik of Des Moines, Mark (Sara) Kellner of Pineville, NC, Tony (Jolene) Kellner of Suwanee, GA, and Scott Chidester of Des Moines; sixteen grandchildren, Jonathan, Becci (Brad), Rachel (Steve), Monica (Patrick), Joe (Ellyn), Pat (Dana), Bonnie (Kevin), Thomas, Betsy, Anna (Tyler), Katie, A.J., David, Nathen, Ryan, and Jordan (Stacey); nine great-grandchildren, Collin, Alexander, Ian, Jonah, Alivia, Kaeden, Rylan, Liam, and Henry; and her three brothers Art (Mary) Hammond, Jack (Jan) Hammond, and Denny (Shirley) Hammond. She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Larry Kellner, and a grandson.
Visitation with the family present will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, July, 23, at Hamilton's Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street, Des Moines. The memorial service will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, July, 24, at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Mercy Hospice, the American Lung Association, or Saint Anthony Catholic Church in Des Moines.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Jerry Van Horne
07/31/2013
Even though I was only married to Deb for 5 years I was blessed to have you be part of my family for a lifetime, my thoughts & prayers are with Gordon & the rest of the family, you will be sorely missed
Lisa Hammond
07/23/2013
Aunt Karen was one of the kindest, most genuine people that I've had the fortune to meet. She & Gordon always went out of their way to have us over when we we're in town, getting toys out for the boys or sitting around the table to play cards with them. We will miss her & our times together.
Barbara Halleck
07/23/2013
So sorry to hear about Karen. I remember her from high school and got to know her better at our class reunion luncheons and celebrations. She always had a smile and I never heard an unkind word from her. She will be missed. My sympathies to Gordon and the family.
Catherine Price
07/22/2013
So sorry to hear of your mother's passing. She did a great job raising you Mark and I know she will be greatly missed. You and your family are in my family's thoughts and prayers.
Jean Bullen Schultz
07/22/2013
So sorry to hear about Karen leaving us. I graduated with Karen from ALHS, also worked nurses staff at school with Karen. She was a very nice person, will be greatly missed I'm sure.
Jack Burris
07/22/2013
Karen and I attended the same schools growing up on the south side. We were in many of the same activities during those years, and I valued her contributions. I now live in Arizona, but my thoughts are in Des Moines.for and with her family. I have been blessed to count her a friend..
Cindy Geery
07/22/2013
So so sorry to hear of Aunt Karen's passing. We all have alot of fun memories together with her. She was a very loving and caring person.. My thoughts and prayers are with you Uncle Gordy and the family.
Mary Jo Miller
07/21/2013
My condolences are with you Gordon and all of the family. I always remember our times together and being neighbors. I know she was greeted by many special angels. I will surely miss her.
Carol Howard Wood.
07/21/2013
Remember Karen from school . LHS. so very sorry for the loss of a dear old friend,may god bless the family at this very trying time ,she was the best friend a girl could ever ask for . years have passed , but friendship never ends ,.
Larry and Jackie Fredette
07/21/2013
What a special person heaven has recieved. We will miss Karen but always remember the fun and the love we shared with her and you, Gordon. We have lost a great freind. Our thoughts are with you and your family Gordon. Much love.
Daylene Ellis
07/20/2013
To my Dear Friend Karen
I will always treasure out friendship,
Lots of laughs and a few tears.
You are now at peace--until we meet again. Daylene
Sue Cosner
07/20/2013
Gordon,I 'am so sorry to hear about Karen,she always had a smile and was a sweet & caring person.We will miss her.
Gary Skoog & Carol Hanner
07/20/2013
Gordon, We were so sorry to hear of Karen's passing.
We will miss getting together to play cards and Dominos, and always having a great desert! But most of all will miss all the great stories of years ago. We will keep in touch.
Deb,Bob,and David
07/20/2013
Karen,you and Dad showed us what real love is all about.Will miss you so,but know you will always be with us. We love you forever.