Karen Ann Ward, 64, Iola, died Thursday, August 30, 2012, at her home.

Karen was born April 25, 1948, at Wamego, the daughter of Otis and Neva Lester Griffin. She grew up in Nevada before moving to Topeka, where she graduated from high school. She later completed her Associate of Arts degree in business administration from Allen County Community College.

On June 10, 1977, Karen married Carl L. Ward in Miami, Okla.. They made their home in Iola where she worked for H.L. Miller & Son Dress Factory and later for Midland Brake.

Survivors include her husband, Carl Ward, of the home; three children, Charlene Ward of LaHarpe, Roger Ward of Iola, and Patty Fiske of Olympia, Wash.; four siblings, Steven Griffin of Utah, Marcella Miller of Marysville, Sharon Parker of Topeka, and Sharal Beck of Iola; and five grandchildren.

Cremation has taken place.

Memorial service is 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 5, at Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola. Inurnment will be in Thayer Cemetery, Thayer,

Memorials are suggested to Allen County Animal Rescue Facility (ACARF) and may be left with the funeral home.

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.iolafuneral.com