Karen K. Armstrong, age 83, of Washington, Iowa, passed away Saturday, September 7, 2024, at the University of Iowa Hospital following a decline in health.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 13, 2024, at St. James Catholic Church with Fr. Bernie Weir officiating. Calling hours will begin 2:00 p.m. Thursday at St. James Catholic Church where a Prayer Service will begin at 3:30 p.m. The family will receive friends from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. Thursday at St. James Church. Interment will take place at the Elm Grove Cemetery in Washington. Memorials have been established for St. James Catholic Church or the Washington County Hospital Foundation. Online condolences may be sent for Karen's family at www.jonesfh.com

Karen Kay Kauffman was born March 9, 1941, the daughter of Wilmer and Luvenia (Steele) Kauffman. She attended Number 4 Country School and graduated from Washington High School. Karen was united in marriage to Ronald Armstrong on November 8, 1958. They had four children: Kristine, Kelly, Kenneth and Rebecca.

Karen worked with Mary Burroughs from 1958 until 1960 making noodles and selling them to local grocery stores. She later hung wallpaper with Kay Custer and worked at Advanced Ross Manufacturing. Karen was a bookkeeper and teller at the National Bank of Washington and worked in the office at Sitler Electric. Karen was the bookkeeper at Armstrong Heating and Air Conditioning for over twenty years and worked for the Washington Community School District Administration Office until her retirement.

She was a member of St. James Catholic Church, Silver Buckles Dance Club, Shirts and Skirts square dancing club, a quilting club, T.T.T., and was a member of the Washington Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary group - "The Squirts". Karen was a huge Caitlin Clark fan and enjoyed watching the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Indiana Fever. She enjoyed gardening and taking care of her flowers as well as attending the Friday morning coffee group. She especially loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband Ronald Armstrong of Washington, Iowa; daughter, Kristine Kriener and husband Leroy of North Liberty, Iowa; son, Kenny Armstrong and wife Billa of Washington, Iowa; daughter, Becky Litwiller and husband Jon of Washington, Iowa; nine grandchildren: Darci Roehler and husband Mert; Kelli Holton and husband Steve; Kevin Kriener and wife Laurie; Brian Kriener and significant other Ashley; Kati Brock and husband Matt; Kelsi Uthe and husband Nick; Jason Litwiller and wife Bridget; Jacayla Litwiller and fiancé Clayton Robison; and Justin Litwiller and significant other, Madison Fishback. She is also survived by eleven great-grandchildren: Asher Roehler and fiancé Ava; Della Roehler; Karlie Holton and significant other Mason; Mya Lampe; Halle Lampe; Nora Lampe; Olivia Brock; Gage Brock; Brooklyn Uthe; Colton Uthe; Aiden Davis; as well as two sisters: Sharen Rae Jones of The Villages, Florida; and Mary Ann Keeney and husband Cleo of Robins, Iowa.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents; infant daughter, Kelly; and brother-in-law, Larry Jones.