Karen Kay Campbell

Karen Kay Campbell, 77, of Eldon, IA passed away on November 7, 2023, at the Ottumwa Regional Health Center. As were Karen's wishes her body has been cremated. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at the Eldon Cemetery in Eldon, IA with Pastor Danny Cary officiating. A visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, November 13, 2023, at the Cranston Family Funeral Home in Fairfield, IA with the family present to greet friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions in Karen's honor may be directed to the St. Jude Children's Hospital and may be mailed c/o Cranston Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 189, Fairfield, IA 52556. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Karen Kay Campbell was born on December 3, 1945, to Thomas and Charlene Naffziger Roberts. She graduated from Cardinal High School in 1964 and soon after, in 1965, she married David Russell. Their union was blessed with three children: Randy, Becky, and Debb. Although Karen and David later divorced, she found love again with Richard Campbell. They married in 1974 in Rock Island, IL, and remained devoted to each other for 49 years.

Karen's work history was as diverse as it was fulfilling. She began her career as a waitress at the Southside truck stop and later worked at the Fairfield Glove Factory. Following her passion for beauty and personal care, Karen returned to beautician school in Ottumwa and started her own beauty shop in Eldon, IA. Her dedication and hard work led her to the United States Postal Service, where she served as Postmaster in Brighton, IA, and subbed in Eldon before retiring after 17 years from the Ottumwa location.

Karen and Richard loved to travel, spending 12 winters in Texas with their RV. Karen was the designated driver during their travels, which spanned most of the United States. She also had a green thumb, with a particular fondness for gardening. In her quiet moments, Karen enjoyed reading and later in life, she developed an interest in genealogy. Above all, Karen was a steadfast supporter of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, often traveling to watch them in their activities.

Karen was predeceased by her parents, Thomas and Charlene Naffziger Roberts, her son Randy Russell, and three of her siblings, Rose, Keith, and Jack.

She is survived by her loving husband, Richard Campbell, her two daughters, Becky (Richard) Dye and Debb (Dan) Durflinger, both of Eldon, IA. Karen's legacy also lives on in her five grandchildren, Jeremy (Kelly) Sloan, Amber (Eric) Beal, Jay Sloan, Felisha (Austin) Deao, and Samantha Frasher, and her ten great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her two sisters, Delores (Gene) Hite and Sue Bartlett.