Karen Margaret Duff-Ham

Karen Margaret Duff-Ham, 89, of Winterset, died Monday, March 10, 2014.

A memorial service is planned for 2 p.m. Saturday at McCalley-Collins Funeral Home in Winterset.

A luncheon will follow the service at Four Square Gospel Church in Winterset.

Karen was born June 4, 1924, in Adair County, Iowa, to Blanche Miller Christensen and Mouritz Christensen. She was the oldest of 11 children.

Karen was married to Gail Duff of Patterson, Iowa, for 34 years and was the mother of five children; Gary Lentz (Linda) of Illinois, Gail Duff Jr. (Terri) of California, Lynn Duff (Deb) of South Dakota, Sherry Duff-Jipp (Steve) of Richland, Iowa, and Marlene Duff of North Carolina.

Survivors include her five children, 15 grandchildren, including five from Fairfield, Iowa; Dana Light, Elizabeth Leona Light (deceased), Faith Reyes, Ronnie Light, Kristen Light and Christian Jipp; 26 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Karen enjoyed quilting, gardening and spending time with her family.

In her earlier years, she was a CNA in Winterset. She also worked in a hemp plant with her mother in the 1940s.

Karen was a loving mother, but she did demand respect. She expected that if you walked into a home, you take off your hat. If not, she would gently remind you.

She would say, ?I mean what I say, and I say what I mean.? What a feisty girl.

- Paid obituary -