Karen Ann Aldrich, 76, of Urbandale passed away peacefully on July 31st, 2023. She grew up in Des Moines and graduated from East High School, Class of '64. Karen met Ron Aldrich at a dance and they were married in 1966. They loved to travel and have many great memories of trips throughout the country. Karen was known for her kind and gentle spirit. Some of her passions were word puzzles, bible study, book clubs and watching movies. She volunteered for Freedom for Youth, Vacation Bible School, and the Adopt-A-Park program. Karen is survived by Ron, her husband of 57 years, their two daughters, Melissa Crabill (Dave) and Kate Walmsley (David), her brothers Jon Cruikshank (Susan) and Brian Cruikshank. She is also survived by the 5 grandchildren she was blessed with, Brandy, Chance, Connor, Brielle and Isaac. Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Orvis and Miriam Cruikshank and her brother, Ron Cruikshank. A celebration of life service will be held at Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines on Thursday, August 10th at 11am with a luncheon to follow. If unable to attend in person, please join us via live streaming found here: http://hopeonline.tv/specialevents Flowers may be sent to Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway in West Des Moines. Memorial contributions are welcomed and will benefit the Freedom for Youth ministry.