White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

Independence – Karen A. Beatty, 75 years old, of Independence, Iowa, died on Saturday, August 25, 2018, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa.  She was born in Independence on March 19, 1943, the daughter of Ralph Henry and Lucille Virginia (Scott) Williams. She attended high school in Independence.  On April 19, 1968, she and Robert James Beatty were married in Dubuque, Iowa.  He preceded her in death in 2015.  Karen worked in the housekeeping department at the Mental Health Institute in Independence for 26 years.  After retiring in 2008, she enjoyed her time taking care of and spending time with her family.  She loved traveling at any opportunity.

Karen is survived by 5 daughters, Kodie Connolly (Tim), Angela James (Jeremy), Kimberly Kress (Bill), and Denice Zieser (Dale), all of Quasqueton, Iowa, and Devin Shaw (Jeff) of Cedar Falls, Iowa,  2 step sons, Jim Beatty and Robert L. Beatty, both of Independence, 1 step daughter, Diane Beatty (John) of Independence, 17 grandchildren, 8 step grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren (with one on the way), and 14 step great grandchildren.  She is also survived by 4 sisters, Sally Rasmussen (Darvin) of Harpers Ferry, Iowa, Marsha Quass (Ron) and Vicki VanLaningham, both of Independence, and Deb Hogan (Mike) of Winthrop, Iowa, and 1 brother, Mike R. Williams (Diane) of Independence.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, 1 son-in-law, David Shaw, 1 step daughter-in-law, Jean Beatty, and 1 brother-in-law, Larry VanLaningham.

Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, August 30, 2018, at the White Funeral Home in Independence with Pastor John Sheda officiating.  Burial will be in Quasqueton Cemetery in Quasqueton, Iowa.  Friends may call for visitation from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 29^th, at the funeral home.