"Marshall, Kirby, Kyle and Kamille- I am very sorry for the hard days you have faced and that are still ahead. Remember all the good times and carry those with you. I remember many of our family gatherings at Grandpa and Grandma Blake's house. I am thinking of you all at this time and hope we all can keep in touch. love, Deb "
In loving memory of
Karen Blake
April 6, 1944 - June 20, 2010
Karen Sue Blake, 66, of Cedar Rapids, formerly of Tipton, died peacefully in her home with her family at her bedside on Sunday. Karen, the daughter of Howard and Genevieve Raymond Gritton, was born on April 6, 1944 in Wilton Junction, Iowa. She was a 1962 graduate of the Clarence High School. She married Marshall Glen Blake on January 6, 1963 in Clarence, Iowa. Karen worked for DeKock Drug Store in Tipton for many years and after she moved to Cedar Rapids Karen worked as the Lindale Mall secretary and later worked as a Security Supervisor at the Cedar Rapids Airport. She was a past member of the Tipton United Methodist Church, the United Church of Christ in Clarence and the T.T.T..
Karen is survived by her husband, Marshall Blake of Cedar Rapids; daughter, Kamille (Rob) Kurseth of Cedar Rapids; sons, Kirby (Michelle) Blake of Tipton and Kyle (Monica) Blake of Springville; six grandchildren, Colton and Morgan Blake, Cody and Seth Blake, Marshall and Koen Kurseth; sisters, Marcia (Dennis) Fisher of Marion, Diane (Jerry) Evens of Cedar Rapids; brother, Roger (Barb) Gritton of Clarence. She was preceded in death by her parents.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 24, at 11:00 AM, Fry Funeral Home, Tipton. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 9:00 to 11:00 prior to the service. A general memorial has been established in her memory.
Tributes
"My deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers to the Blake families. Words cannot express your pain at this time. Embrace all your pictures and memories you will find comfort with these. Karen will always live on, Kamile please find the strength to always mention Mama in your FB status you will find joy and sorrow but it helps with the process. Lots of hugs and kisses to you all. Your Friends Joe and Angie Barton, Paige Parvin and my son Denver Parvin in spirit!!! "
"I was so sorry to hear about Karen's passing. I used to spend a lot of time visiting with her when she worked at the drug store. She was always so pretty and friendly, and we had many good chats through the years. She was very proud of her family, and always spoke of you all in the most glowing terms. She was a true lady in every sense of the word, and I miss her wit and humor. I know you must have so many lovely memories of her, and I hope they comfort you. "