Karen Ellaine Douglas, 72, of Ottumwa, died January 17, 2026 at her home.
She was born September 16, 1953 in Ottumwa to Forrest Laverne “Ike” and Viola Mae Greene Hoover.
She married Mark Stephen Douglas January 6, 1973.
A 1972 graduate of Ottumwa High School, she had worked at John Deere Ottumwa Works and for 10 years at Everco. Her true calling was being a wife and mother.
Karen enjoyed planting flowers as well as maintaining her garden and yard. She enjoyed traveling especially while her children were young to various zoos, botanical gardens and theme parks as well as bargain shopping. Most importantly, she loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
Surviving are her husband, Mark; their three sons, Mark Jason (Janiece) Douglas of Moravia, Justin Allen Douglas and Sean Michael Douglas both of Ottumwa; seven grandchildren, Courtney (Robbie) Terry, Nicholas Reese, Jalynn Douglas, Avery Douglas, Orryn Douglas, Makayla Douglas and Alexis Douglas; two great grandchildren, Qwendolyn Terry and Wyndom Terry.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a half-brother, Dickie Puffinbarger.
Visitation will be open after 10 a.m. Wednesday, January 21st at Reece Funeral Home with her family present to greet friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday. Cremation will follow the visitation.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospitals or Shriner’s Hospitals for Children.
