Karen E. Meade

Karen Elaine Meade, 82, of Newton, Iowa passed away surrounded by her family on November 21, 2025, at Newton Village. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, December 15, 2025, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory. The family will greet friends from 10-11 a.m., Monday, December 15, at the funeral home. Burial at Newton Union Cemetery will follow the memorial service. Memorials to First United Methodist Church or the Alzheimer's Association may be left at the funeral home. 

Karen was born on February 28, 1943, in Bloomfield, Iowa, the daughter of Donald and Mildred Sample. She grew up in Bloomfield, and following her graduation from Davis County High School, moved to Des Moines with a group of friends and began working as a secretary at Equitable of Iowa. During this time, she was introduced to Thomas Edwin “Ed” Meade by mutual friends, and the rest became her history.  Karen was united in marriage with Ed on May 29, 1963, in Bloomfield.  After marrying, she and Ed established their home in Newton.  Karen was an Avon lady in the early 1970’s then became a case worker with the Department of Human Services (DHS) for 23 years retiring in 2000.  After retirement, Karen enjoyed working part-time at Hansen Directory assisting with administrative duties.

Karen lived a life rooted in devotion – to her family and friends, her Christian faith, her work, and her community.  Through tireless effort and a heart open to everyone she met, she showed what it meant to care deeply.  Her kindness was steady, her work ethic inspiring, and her love a constant source of comfort.  

Karen loved many things – entertaining, playing bridge and her accordion, cooking, gardening, volunteering, and viewing beautiful sunrises and sunsets from their home just outside of Newton.  She was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church and an active member of the Newton Eastern Star No. 100 and P.E.O. Chapter ME.

Karen’s family was her proudest accomplishment and her greatest joy. She is survived by her children, Tom (Paula) Meade of Newton and Donna Meade (Mark Yaple) of Ankeny; her grandchildren, Stephanie (Ryan) Gott and Kara Meade; her great-grandchildren, Emma Gott, Ava Gott, Grady Gott, and Lincoln Gannaway. She is also survived by her three loving and devoted brothers, Lee (Polly) Sample, Gene (Nancy) Sample, Vern (Cindy) Sample, and numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and several sisters/brothers-in-law.

The family would like to thank the devoted caregivers at Newton Village and the Suncrest Hospice team for surrounding Karen with loving care and gentle compassion.  

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