Karen E. Anderson

Karen E. Anderson, 82, of Mount Pleasant, died Monday, March 30, 2026, at Arbor Court in Mount Pleasant.

Karen was born January 22, 1944, in Fairfield, the daughter of Ernest and Betty (Lyons) Lathrop. She graduated from Fairfield High School and went on to cosmetology school. In March of 1966, Karen married Richard Anderson in Kahoka, Missouri. The couple later divorced but remained good friends and companions until Richard’s death in 2018. Karen worked at the Iowa Ammunition Plant for many years. Karen lived in the Fairfield and Mount Pleasant communities all of her life. She enjoyed walking and spending time outdoors. Additionally, Karen collected coins for many years. Karen cherished her grandchildren and the time she was able to spend with them. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Mount Pleasant.

Karen is survived by her two children and their spouses, Michael and Kristina Anderson of Salem, Teresa and Sloan Gill of Wimberly, Texas; stepson Rickey (Kristi) Anderson of Mount Pleasant, six grandchildren and five great grandchildren; and brother and his wife Jack and Pat Lathrop of Fairfield.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Terri Twidwell, granddaughter Autumn Twidwell, siblings Mike Lathrop and Dolores “Sue” Cavin Lathrop.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the Augusta Community Center in Augusta, Iowa, followed by a luncheon at 1:00 pm. Inurnment will take place in the Salem East Cemetery at a later date. The Olson-Yoder Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Karen and her family. www.olsonyoderfh.com