Karen Anne Ward

KAREN ANNE WARD

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Karen Anne Ward, born in Sumter, South Carolina, to Jack Ward and Della Adams Ward, passed away unexpectedly at home on September 15th, 2026, at age 69.

She married Michael V. Hosmer on December 9th, 1978. Though later divorced, they remained close until his death in 2017. She later shared life and companionship with Martin Paul.

A proud alumna of Auburn University, Karen graduated in 1979 with a Bachelor's Degree in Home Economics Education. Her early career took her to the classrooms of Birmingham, Alabama, and Cleveland, Ohio, before she started her family and transitioned to being a devoted stay-at-home mom to her three girls: Meredith, Alison, and Kathryn. Eventually relocating back to Alabama, she spent many years using her creativity and eye for detail making custom draperies for clients around Birmingham.

As her daughters grew, Karen returned to her true calling in education, eventually earning her Master's degree from Western Illinois University. She substitute taught before becoming a Consumer Sciences teacher at Muscatine High School. True to her nurturing and deeply involved nature, she supported her girls in every activity they pursued—a dedication that eventually led her to serve as a Muscatine High School Cheer Coach. She ended her career in education at Davenport Central High School as the librarian, where she retired in 2019.

A naturally creative spirit, she loved sewing, crafting, and diving into home projects, always finding joy in making her surroundings beautiful and personal.

Beyond the classroom, Karen was deeply active in her community, churches, and civic organizations. She was an active and dedicated member of multiple churches throughout her life, always finding ways to serve her congregations, build community, and live out her beliefs. She generously gave her time to groups such as Newcomers, PEO, and TTT. In recent years, she became deeply involved with the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), where she cultivated a true passion for historic preservation, patriotism, and learning about family genealogy. Even while undergoing cancer treatment, Karen's spirit remained bright and deeply connected to those she loved.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Jacki, and many aunts and uncles. Survivors include her daughters and their families: Meredith Truitt (Mike) of Muscatine, IA; Alison Hosmer (Josh Hepker) of Muscatine, IA; and Kathryn Hosmer (Mike Boddicker) of Davenport, IA; nephew Taylor Jennings (Alison) and niece Tara McNair, both of Alabama; her partner, Martin Paul; Sam Paul (Lisa) of Muscatine; and Liz Miller (Sean) of Davenport. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Adelle and William Leavens, Scout and Sloan Hepker; her bonus grandchildren: Jake and Micah Truitt, Ben and Alex Hepker, Kensely, Kaylin, and Kara Paul, and August, Paul, and Henry Miller.

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, September 21, 2026, at Grace Lutheran Church. Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at church. A time of food and fellowship will take place at the church, following the service. The Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.wittichfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Muscatine PEO Chapter MM-OE/IA, the University of Iowa Holden Cancer Center, or the Hannah Caldwell Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

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