Karry Vasey passed away on April 28, 2024. Her parents, Albert Tolley and Carries Thompson, and brother, Noel, were born in Illinois. Her father farmed and her mother taught school and they settled in Iowa, when Noel was 20 years old. Karry was born in Story County on February 18th, 1934, joining her 20 year old brother Noel. Their lives all changed that day. She surprised them by popping into their lives unexpectedly, and that became a big community conversation piece. She grew up in Story County in a small community northeast of Ames. At the young age of three, she started going to church and it was here, her love of Christ became lifelong.
Karry Marie as her parents and her friends called her was a very outgoing and independent child. She never knew a stranger and drove her mother crazy by being so friendly to anyone. At age four, she could outsing any child in her Sunday school choir. She knew every song and never missed a beat; she loved music. Karry sang in a musical group in school, played piano and trombone in band, was a cheerleader, and was voted class officer each year.
Karry always wanted to be a nurse and worked summers as an aide in the hospitals in Marshalltown. Unfortunately, her dream was cut short due to a car accident and so she decided to pursue teaching. Karry started attending Iowa State Teachers College but then became engaged, got married and ended up traveling with her husband who was in the service for the next two years. After his discharge, they settled back in Nevada Iowa. Thirty two years and three adorable sons later, they parted ways.
Karry spent her working years in county and state office, insurance, doctor’s office and Drake University in the master’s vocational program. A job she dearly loved working with the students. After retirement she volunteered at her church and then decided to work as a direct caregiver, a position she held for fourteen years. She received numerous awards and was chosen as caregiver of the year. “I am their eyes, ears, and minds at times – but the reward and gratification is indescribable. “
During this time, she started a new life with John Vasey, but it ended shortly with his sudden death.
Karry endured trials and tribulations during her life, but always handled it with class and dignity and her faith helped her through. She was always there if you needed someone to listen to, a shoulder to cry on, or just a friend. She touched many lives with her love and adored her family and friends. She loved shopping, concerts, and decorating.
Karry played softball and enjoyed watching sporting events of all kinds. She was an Iowa Hawkeye fan and a New York Yankee fan. She was lucky to have met Ray Guy of the Oakland Raiders and Johnny Rodgers (Heisman trophy winner) from the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
She was a member of the Lutheran church of hope for many years; volunteering and singing in the choir for fourteen years. Karry was an officer in the order of Eastern Star, Red Hat Society charter and on the clerical board at Drake University.
Karry's memory will be carried on by her three sons, Steven (Diane) Rullestad, Scott (Pam) Rullestad, Shelley Rullestad; six grandchildren, Justin Rullestad, Kasey Rullestad, Jill (Eric) Johnson, Korey (Tara) Rullestad, Dr. Elizabeth (Mark) Rullestad-McAllister, Thomas Rullestad; and, great-grandchildren, Rhonda Ann, Dakota, Josie, Eloise, Isabell, Adam, David and Maisie; her loving husband, Alex Hernandez; step-daughter, Beth Di Leva and step-son Jose (Brenda) Hernandez,; step-granddaughter, Jordan Hernandez and step-grandson, Quinn Di Leva. She was by her parents, brother, sister in law, three nephews, daughter-in-law, Rhonda Rullestad; and her beloved Maltese, Rudolph Valentino (Rudy) and her Malta-poo, Monty.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
She will be missed by her smile, her love and her caring ways.
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