Karen Ann McNeley, 79, of Woodward, IA, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at her home in Woodward.

Karen (also known as mom, granny, grandma meow meow, macho mama, and many other endearing terms) was born in Mercer, MO to Claude and Velda (Osborn) Alley on July 7, 1945. She married Richard “Dick” McNeley on March 3, 1973. They moved to their acreage in Woodward in 1974. She retired from ACH Foods formerly Tones Spices in Ankeny, IA in 2014. Karen’s passion was helping others. She loved to help her friends and family and to help in the community. When she wasn’t taking care of the acreage, tending to her garden or canning, she was playing cards with several great groups, square dancing, getting together with the Sennippah ladies, volunteering or spending time with Sterling. Her other favorite past time was riding her motor Trike that she got when she turned 75.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband of 29 years, Dick McNeley; mother, Velda; father, Claude; and sister, Claudine. She is survived by her sister, Linda (Don) Richardson of Derby, IA; son, Curt (Teri) of Granger, IA; daughter, Lisa (Vern) of Kansas City, KS; grandchildren, Samantha (JR), Curtis (Kelsey), Becca (Cody), and Katie; as well as seven great grandchildren and four grand fur babies.

There will be a Celebration of Life from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, August 3, 2024, at Simpson Barn in Johnston, she will be laid to rest in Mercer, MO at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in her honor to the Arbor Day Foundation or the Animal Rescue League of Iowa.