Karen Murley Obituary

AURORA – Karen K. Murley, 85, of rural Aurora, Iowa, died Monday, December 2, 2024, at Edgewood Convalescent Home in Edgewood, Iowa.
A private family service will be held.
Interment: Madison Township Cemetery, rural Aurora.
Fawcett-Schmitz Funeral Home, Winthrop, is assisting the family.
Memorials may be directed in her name to Prairie Lakes Church of Independence, Grace United Methodist Church of Lamont or Care Initiatives Hospice.
Memorials and Condolences may be mailed to Larry Murley, 1516 Slater Avenue Aurora, IA 50607.
An online obituary is avaialble at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com
Karen Kay Reed was born January 12, 1939, in Manchester, Iowa, the daughter of Robert Ernest and Jean Viola (Smith) Reed. She graduated from Lamont High School in the class of 1956. Karen was united in marriage to Harlan Arthur Murley on November 12, 1956, at a U.S. Army Base in Japan while Harlan served. They made their home south of Aurora where they farmed together for many years. She operated Karen's Custom Computing, a computerized farm record keeping service for many years. Karen also operated Murley Quality Pork, selling pork largely through farmers markets and throughout northeast Iowa.
Karen had been attending Prairie Lakes Church in Independence. She was a member of the Lamont Methodist Church and Eunice Circle for many years. Earlier in life, Karen was a Cub Scout Den Mother, was a member of the 4-H Extension Council, Buchanan County Pork Producers, Farm Bureau, and the 4T Neighborhood Club.
Karen enjoyed planning her family educational vacations throughout the USA, gardening, sewing her young children's clothing and Barbie doll clothes, hosting family events, genealogy, and providing her elder family members with caregiving. She also enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Karen's eyes would always light up when she saw her grandkids and great grandkids. Above all, Karen placed her faith in her heavenly father, knowing the promise of eternity.
Karen is survived by her Husband, Harlan Murley of Edgewood; three Children: Larry (Pam) Murley of Aurora, Sherylynne Murley-Allen of Greenacres, Washington, and Kent Murley of Sequim, Washington; four Grandchildren: Melissa (Ed) Ludt, Kelly (Markie) Murley, Mark (Christa) Murley, and Rebekkeh Allen; 11 Great Grandchildren; two Brothers: Jon (Diane) Reed of Marion and Doug (Pam) Reed of Urbandale; and Nieces & Nephews.
Karen was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Lynne (Lee) Bowden; and son-in-law: Lon G. Allen.