Karen Sue Knowles, 65 years, of Fort Madison, Iowa, died at 2:30 a.m. Thursday, January 19, 2012 at the Great River Hospice House, West Burlington, Iowa. She was born May 8, 1946 at Fort Madison, Iowa, a daughter of William Henry and Thelma Ruth (Knipe) Russell. In April 1980, she married Robert Knowles. Karen worked as a machine operator for Fruehauf and later Wabash, for 27 years. She then went to work at Alaniz and Sons in Mt. Pleasant for another 6 years. She liked to stay busy and was passionate about her gardening, flowers, and pets.

She is survived by her husband, Robert Knowles, of Fort Madison, Iowa; two sons, Timothy Zachmeyer, of North Carolina and Daniel Zachmeyer, of Fort Madison, Iowa; one step-son, Jason (wife Viola) Knowles, of Agency, Iowa; two brothers, Duane (wife Marsha) Russell, of Fort Madison, Iowa and Merlin Russell; six sisters: Kathleen Dietsch, of Burlington, Iowa; Norma Boales, of Manilla, Indiana; Betty (husband Jesse) Harris, of Williamsville, Illinois; Donna Johnson, of Niota, Illinois; Juanita (husband Richard) Sandford, of El Paso, Texas; and Darlene (husband Dean) Hawkins, of Wapello, Iowa; and two granddaughters. She was preceded in death by her parents, and three infant brothers: William Henry Russell, Willard Harry Russell, and Larry Lynn Russell.

Her family will meet friends from 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 23, 2012 at the Barr Memorial Chapel, Fort Madison, Iowa. Private graveside services and burial will be held at a later date at Oakland Cemetery, Fort Madison, Iowa. A memorial has been established for Great River Hospice, contributions may be made at the Barr Memorial Chapel.