Kari Saunders

Kari Saunders
Of Pleasant Hill, Iowa

Kari Saunders was a loving wife, mother, and friend who passed away suddenly on May 10, 2017. She was always willing to help others (whether they wanted her help or not!), including the poor teenager she would leave school supplies and clothes for without ever meeting, the single mothers whose groceries she'd pay for before Thanksgiving, the elderly German woman who roomed with her mother that she cared for, and numerous other acts.

She loved spending time with her family and pets (her dog Belle and cat Shadow) and riding with the top down in her red Mini Cooper.

Kari was born in Ogallala, Nebraska on January 22, 1963. She was raised in Fort Dodge, Iowa where she graduated high school in 1981. Kari spent most of her life working in careers that helped children, including many years running an in home daycare and the last 20 years at the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation's Sex Offender Registry Unit. She was married to her husband James for 33 years and had two children Jessica (Loren Corkey) and Stephen (Rachel Clemens). She is also survived by her father, Jerald; sister, Judi (Dave) Smith; and brother, Dale Miller. Kari was preceded in death by her mother, Marilyn Locke; and brother, Mark Miller.

As an organ donor Kari gave as much in death as she did in life. Her bright smile, kind heart, and contagious laughter will be missed.

Family will greet friends from 4 to 7 p.m., Monday, May 15, 2017 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, May 16th at Oakwood United Methodist Church, 400 NE 56th Street, Pleasant Hill, burial to follow at Oakwood Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be directed to either Iowa Donor Network, Iowa Chapter Children’s Advocacy Center, or Heinz 57 Pet Rescue in memory of Kari.

Condolences may be expressed at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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