Karen Ann Ward, 64, of Iola, Kansas, died Thursday, August 30, 2012, at her home. Karen was born April 25, 1948, at Wamego, Kansas, the daughter of Otis and Neva (Lester) Griffin. She grew up in Nevada before moving to Topeka, Kansas 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, Oklahoma. They made their home in Iola where she worked for H.L. Miller & Son Dress Factory and later for Midland Brake. She enjoyed painting, reading, fishing and camping. SURVIVORS: Her husband of 35 years: Carl Ward of the home 3 Children: Charlene Ward of LaHarpe, KS, Roger Ward of Iola, KS and Patty Fiske of Olympia, WA 4 Siblings: Steven Griffin of Utah, Marcella Miller of Marysville, KS, Sharon Parker of Topeka, KS and Sharal Beck of Iola, KS 5 Grandchildren: Andy Benedict of Norfolk, VA, Alexander Benedict and Jacob Benedict both of LaHarpe, KS, and Alaina Fiske and Ethan Fiske both of Olympia, WA She was preceded in death by four brothers, David, Dale, Danny and Mitchell Griffin and a stillborn sibling. Cremation has taken place. MEMORIAL SERVICE: 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2012, at Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola. INURNMENT: Thayer Cemetery, Thayer, KS MEMORIAL: Allen County Animal Rescue Facility (ACARF) Memorial gifts may be left with the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences for the family may be left on this website, www.iolafuneral.com.