Karen Ann Clayburn

Karen Ann Clayburn, 77, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away on August 30, 2026, at Trinity Center at Luther Park. She was born on June 6, 1949, in Des Moines and remained a member of the community throughout the majority of her life.

Karen graduated from Des Moines Technical High School and moved to St. Paul, Minnesota for the next 15 years. Returning to Des Moines, Karen started working at Hy-Vee and would eventually help start their Home Delivery service. After a number of years at, Hy-Vee Karen joined Des Moines Public Schools as a Creative Consultant in COLLAGE - an area DMPS provided for teachers to build and create classroom materials. Karen loved being creative, so this was right up her alley. After COLLAGE was removed from the budget, Karen took her Customer Service skills to Sam's Club where she quickly became a favorite cashier for lots of members.

Karen's family was an important part of her life and legacy. She is survived by her daughter, Tasmania Clayburn-Stills (Chad) and her granddaughter, Tatum Clayburn, both of Des Moines, Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth John Clayburn and Winifred Doris Vinson, as well as her brother, Anthony Clayburn.

Karen will be remembered through the lives of those she loved and the memories they shared together. Her presence will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her.

In accordance with her wishes, cremation will take place and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later time.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Vincent DePaul in Karen's name - We all know Vinnie's was her favorite.