BOONE, Iowa—Karen Lee (Abbott) Ely, 80, of Boone, passed away Thursday, February 27, 2025, at the Boone County Hospital in Boone, surrounded by her family. Following Karen’s wishes, cremation has taken place.
Karen was born April 12, 1944, in Boone, the daughter of William and Margaret (Horne) Abbott. She attended Boone Schools and graduated in 1962.
Karen was united in marriage to Loren Ely on October 21, 1962, and to this union had three children. She enjoyed decorating her home for the holidays and helping others with theirs as well. Karen stayed busy with card club, walking groups, coffee groups, scrapbooking, playing bingo and attending her grandchildren’s many activities. She found great joy with being able to help others with whatever they needed.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Margaret Abbott; husband, Loren Ely; son, Lathen Ely; grandson, Jared Ely; in-laws, Earl and Evelyn Ely; brothers, Bob, Alex, and Don Abbott; and sister, Catherine Pervier.
Karen is survived by her two daughters, Debi (Tim) Pestotnik and Lori (Jim) Walters; grandchildren, Heather Aspengren, Cory (Robin) Pestotnik, Maggie (Tom) Pestotnik, Cris Ely, Sarah (Mark) Benge, Marci Baker, Rachel (John) Taylor, Chelsey (Terry) Mann, Taria Dillion, and Zach Ely (fiancée, Liz Laube); 17 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; brother, Ed (Helen) Abbott; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A prayer service will be held at 1:30 PM followed by a Celebration of Karen’s Life from 2:00 to 4:00 PM Saturday, March 8, 2025, all at Westhaven Community, 112 West 4th Street, Boone, with Rev. Bryan Latchaw officiating. A private inurnment will be held at a later date in the Linwood Cemetery, Boone.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Karen’s honor to the Boone Area Humane Society, Boone County Hospital Foundation or Westhaven Community.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Schroeder-Reimers Memorial Chapel at Sixth and Marshall Streets in Boone. Online condolences may be left to Karen’s family at www.schroedermemorialchapel.com.
Karen Ely, 80, Boone, Iowa
