Karen Lynn (Greeley) Ribble, died unexpectedly at MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa on October 16, 2019. She was 55.
Karen was born in Hyannis, Massachusetts on May 23, 1964 to Lawrence and Marianna (Andrews) Greeley. She grew up in the Cape Cod area and had lived in Des Moines for the last 28 years. She worked hard for many years as a skilled waitress, as a TSA Agent and more recently at ABM Industries.
Karen loved growing up near the ocean. She spoke of Provincetown, her hometown, as “God’s Country” and fondly remembered the water, ocean breezes and bonfires with friends on the beach. It was the life she had built around her family in Iowa that held her in the Midwest. She loved watching her sons grow and attending their ballgames.
Karen was generous and liked meeting people. Her friends will remember the spark she brought to any gathering. She especially enjoyed the companionship of her two dogs, Trixie and Gizmo.
Those left to cherish Karen’s memory include her mother, Marianna Greeley; two sons, Daniel Formaro, Jr. and Justin Formaro; step son, Kieffer Simmons (whom she helped raise) and his son, Carter Simmons (whom she considered a grandson); sister, Kathy and her son, Troy; and many extended family members and good friends both in Des Moines and on Cape Cod. She was preceded in death by her father, Lawrence Greeley and her grandmother, Mary M. Jason.
A Memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, October 25 at Fellowship Baptist Church, 1503 SE 6th St., Des Moines.
Calling Hours with a Prayer Service will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. at Gately Funeral Home, 94 Harry Kemp Way, Provincetown Massachusetts on Tuesday, November 5th. Burial will follow at St Peters Cemetery.
If desired, memorial contributions in Karen’s name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.