Karen Ann Bellis

Karen Ann Bellis
June 3, 1944 – June 29, 2025

Karen Ann Bellis, 81, a bright spirit with a sharp wit and a loving heart, passed peacefully from this world on June 29, 2025 surrounded by love.

Born June 3, 1944, to Thomas W. “Bill” Jr. and Eunice (Goebel) Morris. Karen’s life was rooted in kindness, laughter, and a reverence for both the rhythm of trains and the quiet beauty of gardens -passions lovingly nurtured by her parents.

She grew up in Des Moines and attended St. Joseph’s Academy, a Catholic all-girls high school run by the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was there that Karen began a lifelong connection with the BVM’s, whose values she carried faithfully throughout her life.

On June 26, 1965, Karen married her first love, Thomas Bellis. Together they built a beautiful life over 44 years, full of adventure, laughter, and the remarkable feat of construction a geodesic dome home -yes, a dome! – in Jasper County. Tom, an IBEW electrical worker, brought the sparks; Karen, the vision.

Later in life, Karen found love again with Robert W. “Bob” Baker, marrying on October 11, 2012. Together they shared nine years of companionship, curiosity and joy -often working side by side on projects. Karen embraced love, resilience, and new beginnings with grace.

Karen was a woman of boundless curiosity and creativity. She was an ace trap shooter, a skilled softball player, a graceful square dancer, a master gardener, a clever seamstress and a hostess who made every guest feel like family. She also had an uncanny talent for selecting the perfect greeting card.

A lover of puzzles, travel, and conversation, Karen was always two steps ahead -especially with technology. A proud early adopter of Apple products, she approached computers with the same fearless enthusiasm she brought to gardening, business and life.

Professionally, Karen worked for the Iowa Department of Transportation, where her fascination with license plates and logistics blossomed. She later founded her own transportation logistics firm, Karen Bellis and Associates, forging her path as a successful female entrepreneur.

Karen was a devout and active member of St. Mary-Holy Cross Parish in Elkhart, where she nurtured deep friendships grounded in shared faith. For more than 30 years, her presences were a steady light in the community she cherished.

Though her memory faded in later years. Karen’s wit and joyful spirit endured. She found peace in the rosary, quiet moments with friends, simple puzzles and the loving companionship of her beloved dog, Button.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Tom Bellis and Bob Baker; her brother, Thomas M. Morris Sr., and her parents, Bill and Eunice.

Karen is survived by her sister-in-law, Sharon Morris; nieces, Trish Morris and Melissa (Bob) Toney; nephew, Thomas Morris, Jr., and great nieces, Madison Baker and Amarillo Reyes.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, July 7, 2025 at 10:00 a.m., at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 12704 NE 98th Street, Maxwell, Iowa. Karen will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery in Maxwell.

Memorials may be made to the Building or Cemetery Fund at St. Mary-Holy Cross Parish, a faith community she dearly loved.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com

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