Karen Jones, 80, of Urbandale, formerly of Albia, passed away on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Unity Point – Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa.
Karen Helen Vieth, daughter of Loren and Agnes (Peterson) Vieth, was born on April 8, 1945, in Marshalltown, Iowa. Karen was raised on the family farm outside of Gilman, Iowa. She graduated from Gilman High School in 1963 and then attended Marshalltown Community College for two years. She moved to Oskaloosa in 1965 and began working for PAMCO Manufacturing. While living in Oskaloosa, she met Richard (Dick) Jones, and they married on April 29, 1967, in Des Moines. They made their first home in Ottumwa, where Dick worked for the Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS), and Karen worked for the Ottumwa mayor’s office, until deciding to stay home with her two sons in 1975. The couple moved to Albia in 1977, where Dick continued his career with DHS, serving as supervisor and director. In 1981, Karen began working for Chariton Valley Electric Cooperative. Karen remained with the company for 27 years, retiring in 2008.
Karen and Dick enjoyed raising their sons in Albia and being a part of the community. In 2011, they moved to Urbandale and were fortunate to have both sons relocate to the Des Moines area in 2014.
Karen enjoyed family gatherings, cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes football and basketball teams, excursions to Prairie Meadows, and Country Music, especially Vince Gill.
Karen is survived by her sons: Derek (Julie) of Urbandale and Aaron of West Des Moines. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother David, and her husband of 48 years, Dick, in 2015.
As was her wish, Karen’s body will be cremated, and private family services will take place at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Food Bank of Iowa, Animal Rescue League, or Urbandale Community Action Network (UCAN).
Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory has been entrusted with Karen’s final arrangements.
