Karen Cross passed away on May 7, 2024. She was born the daughter of Carrol and Kathleen White on August 18, 1951. She grew up on a cattle and grain farm north of Colfax, Iowa and attended school until her junior year. She then moved to Rhodes, Iowa with her family and graduated from West Marshall in 1969. Her highlight was playing as a guard in 6 on 6 girls basketball for six years, being a member of the National Honor Society and enjoyed playing the piano.

Karen continued her education at UNI until she married her high school sweetheart, Doug Cross, on July 24, 1971. She and Doug lived in Ames for the next two years while Karen finished her degree in elementary education. She was initiated into the Delta Kappa Society International and Kappa Delta Pi honor society in education. She graduated with honors from Iowa State University.

In 1974, Karen and Doug moved to Colfax where they purchased a country acreage to call home for their two boys, Joshua and Seth. This was a dream come true.

Karen was very active in Colfax Jaycee-Ettes winning the Patsy Dunham award for civic participation. She also was a member of Chapter BA P.E.O. since 1978 and a lifetime member of the United Methodist Church of Colfax. She especially enjoyed traveling with her family. Three trips to Europe, two trips to Hawaii and other destinations were her highlights.

She followed her plan of being an educator first by starting substitute teaching in 1979. Joshua was in kindergarten, so the timing was right for Karen to achieve one of her life goals and served as an educator teaching a fourth-grade class until 1989. She truly enjoyed the challenge.

Karen growing up on a farm, found enjoyment and satisfaction in a new role as a Shepardess. She took over the boys 4-h lambs when they went off to the service and college and raised Suffolk sheep on the acreage filling her days. She also decorated the Methodist Church since 2000. Karen enjoyed a decorating challenge and worked on many projects for herself and other families. In addition to her hobby of playing the piano, she enjoyed writing to include documenting the family's history and writing short stories.

Karen looked forward to her time with her family saying they were the light of her life. She is survived by her son Joshua Cross and wife Tami, their two children Josie and Walker. They live in Van Meter, Iowa. Son Seth Cross and wife Lillie, their two children Jack and Caleb live in Huntsville, Alabama.

Karen's life revolved around her husband, Doug. She would say that his life was her life, and his joy was hers until his passing just short of 50 years of marriage in 2020 to a form of dementia.

A funeral service for Karen will be held on Friday, May 10, 2024, at 1:00 PM, at the Colfax United Methodist Church. Following the funeral, a burial will be held at the Colfax Cemetery. The family will greet friends for a celebration of life/visitation from 3:30 – 6 PM on Friday, May 10, 2024, at the Jasper County Fairgrounds. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Colfax Elementary School for a donation made in Karen's name. Please make checks payable to the Colfax Elementary School. Online condolences may be left at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com. If you are unable to attend the service and would like to send a card, please mail it to Coburn Funeral Homes, ATTN: Karen Cross, 24 W Howard Street, Colfax, IA 50054.