Memorial services for Karen Lee McCombs, 76, who passed away Thursday, May 26, 2016 at Mercy Hospice, Johnston, IA will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, June 4 at the Trinity United Presbyterian Church in Indianola. Visitation will be held 9 to 11 a.m. prior to services at the church.

Karen, the daughter of Kenneth and Jewel (Massey) Surbaugh, was born in Chariton, Iowa on May 12, 1940.  Kenneth, Jewel, and their three daughters lived in Cambria, Iowa until they eventually settled in Humeston, Iowa.  Karen graduated from Humeston High School in 1957 before attending Northeast Missouri State University.

Karen was joined in marriage to Lee R. McCombs on June 7, 1959.  Their happy union was blessed with two children.  A son, Kevin Lee, born in 1960 and a daughter, Lori Lee, born in 1965.  They resided  in Des Moines and Humeston then finally Indianola for the the last 43 years.

Karen worked as a receptionist and secretary for Farm Bureau Insurance and Van Aernam Realty.  She later was a partner with Lee in their business, K& L Auto Parts, where Karen did the bookkeeping.

Karen was a member of the Humeston First Baptist Church and later Trinity United Presbyterian Church in Indianola.  She held several offices in both churches, taught Sunday school, and was active in serving her church and others. Above all Karen was a selfless caregiver for all those in need.  Whether it was delivering Meals on Wheels, giving rides, or providing child care, Karen showed her loved through service to others.  She was active in her children's activities and was a regular classroom mom, Brownie leader, and foster mom to many of her children's friends.  Karen was always eager to get together with her beloved sisters and loved their families like her own.  She also enjoyed attending concerts, plays and events with her many friends.  Karen made everyone she met feel like family.

Karen loved to read, play bridge, and was an enthusiastic follower and fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes.  She was a talented seamstress, crafter, gardener, and a wonderful cook to the benefit of her family table.  Karen's greatest joy in life however, was her family.  She doted on her eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.  She loved nothing more than being with them and following their many activities and adventures.

Survivors include her children, Kevin (Melanie) McCombs of Indianola and Lori (Eric) Jeppson of Stoughton, WI; grandchildren, Andy McCombs, Amanda (Austin) Smith, both of Indianola, Addison (Chris) McCombs of Des Moines, Jessica and Ellie McCombs of Indianola, Gunnar (Amanda) and Thor (Keely) Jeppson both of Madison,WI and Kristin Jeppson of Los Angeles, CA; great-granddaughter, Rylee Smith of Indianola; sisters, Phyllis (Bill) Carlton and Cheryl (Carlos) Paugh both of Humeston; sister-in-law, Elaine (Chuck) Lindstrom of Lincoln, IL; and many nieces and nephews.  Karen was preceded in death by her husband, Lee; parents, Kenneth and Jewel Surbaugh; brother-in-law, Bill Carlton; and great-aunt, Irene (Massey) Whitehead.

Memorials may be given in Karen's name to Trinity United Presbyterian Church.