Karen Sue Amoss

Karen Sue Amoss, age 74, of Albia, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at the Monroe County Hospital in Albia. Karen was born on October 8, 1951, at the Smith Hospital in Albia, to John E. “Gene” and Lois Willadene “Deanie” (Cooper) Walsh. She grew up attending school in Melrose and later in Albia, graduating with the Class of 1969. Following high school, she attended the Americana Beauty Academy. On March 6, 1971, she was united in marriage to Dennis Amoss at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Georgetown, IA, and to this union, 2 children were born: Troy and Lynnette. Karen and Denny were blessed with 55 years of marriage prior to her passing. Karen began her career as a beautician at Marilyn’s Beauty Lane before staying at home to raise her children. She later worked at Rathbun Area Mental Health and eventually dedicated many years to the billing office at Monroe County Hospital and Clinics until her retirement. Karen was a woman of deep faith and a longtime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albia. She was a founding member of the Albia Day Care Center and enjoyed square dancing with her husband, Denny. She served as a 4-H leader and loved attending both the Monroe County and the Iowa State Fair. Growing up in Melrose, Karen was proud of her Irish heritage. A gifted seamstress, Karen especially enjoyed quilting and was an active member of the Crazy Quilters, the Sew and So Club, and the Veterans Peace Quilters. She was incredibly proud to help create quilts for all the Veterans in Monroe County. Karen and Denny enjoyed attending their grandchildren’s events that took them all over the country. Karen is survived by her husband, Denny; her children, Troy (Lori) Amoss and Lynnette (Josh) Major; 7 grandchildren, Brock, Shay, Trell, Austin, Allison, Avery, and Aubrey; siblings, Mike Walsh, Bill (Ann Mellick) Walsh, Margaret Ann Crall, and Mary Helen (Everett) Husmann; a sister-in-law, Delores (Mike) Johnson; and a special aunt, Helen Walsh; Karen is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends. She is preceded in death by a baby in infancy; her parents, Gene Walsh and Deanie Walsh McDowell; a brother in infancy, Joseph Michael; her stepfather, Lloyd McDowell; a stepsister, Paula DeVore; a brother-in-law, Greg Crall; and her parents-in-law, Lawrence “Plute” and Darlene Amoss. Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia with Karen’s family present to greet family and friends. A Rosary will be held at 2:00 p.m. led by St. Mary’s Altar and Rosary Society and A Christian Wake Service will be held immediately following the Rosary. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 4, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albia, with Father Isaac Essel officiating. Burial will follow services at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Albia. A memorial has been established to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Karen Sue Amoss

October 8, 1951 - April 29, 2026