Karen Lynn Mills

Karen Lynn Mills, 78, passed away on September 16, 2025, in Martensdale, IA. There will be a celebratory remembrance gathering at St Paul's Lutheran Church in Martensdale IA at 1pm on October 25, 2025. The family would prefer donations to an Alzheimer's or Epilepsy Support organization in her memory.

Karen Mills was born on September 28, 1946 in Columbia, MO, to Eugene Verfurth and Shirley McQueen. Karen married Mark Mills and the couple had 2 children, Katy Yockey and Daniel Mills.

Karen was an amazing mother, wife, daughter, and sister. She was a community member who was active with the Flames (Wives of volunteer firemen) organizing chili suppers and ice cream socials. She loved riding on the antique fire truck (Nelly Bell) during parades. She loved children. Her favorite time of year was Christmas when she could have cookie night to bake and decorate cookies with her children, grand children, and then great grand children over the years. She loved to bake and would make beautiful baked goods to give to her friends and neighbors at the holidays. She also loved passing out candy on Halloween, reveling in the creative costumes the children wore. She took great pride in her flower gardens and the birds that flock to her yard all year, but especially the hummingbirds that made her yard their home in the summer. Karen loved dogs and almost always had one on her lap. In her alone time she loved to read, embroidery and crochet.

Karen is survived by her husband, Mark; children, Kathleen (Bill) Yockey and Daniel (Tara) Mills; grandchildren, David Thomas (Kristen), Nathan Mills (Reya) Mistina Hanscom (Luke), and Brandon Yockey (Tara); great grandchildren, Ava, Landon, and Scarlett Hanscom who called her Grandma Pirate because of the game she played with them. Miley and Haylee Yockey who called her GGma and her great grandson, James Mills; her siblings, Patricia Stewart (Todd), David Verfurth (Cher), Daniel Verfurth (Barb), Lori Hay (Tom), and Geri Bakkie.

Karen is preceded in death by her parents and grandchildren, Michaela Thomas and Heather Yockey.

Memorial donations can be made to the family.