Ann Scott (Williams) Karras
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Ann Scott (Williams) Karras died peacefully at home on November 16th, 2017.
Born in New Jersey in 1929, Ann received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania, where she met her husband, John. Ann and her growing family moved to Des Moines, Iowa in 1959. While raising four children Ann obtained a degree in Microbiology and worked in various medical labs and also taught at the area community college.
In the late 1960s Ann and John became interested in cycling, and as John went on to co-found the now famous RAGBRAI ride Ann remained an influential force from the beginning. She rode her bike across Iowa dozens of times and also cycled in other regions of the U.S. as well as abroad.
In addition to biking Ann loved nature and the outdoors: from sailing in her youth, to learning to downhill ski in her 60s. If there was no adventure to be had, she made one. She enjoyed canoeing, backpacking, hiking, cross-country skiing as well as dog sledding!
Even a mountain lion couldn't stop Ann from pursuing one of her favorite hikes in the Colorado mountains. A simple "shoo kitty" sent the cat on its way, and Ann on up the mountain path.
Another favorite semi-professional hobby was photography. Ann created a stunning body of work culled from several trips down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. She had work published in many mid-west magazines, accompanying articles written by John. Whether on RAGBRAI, trips with her family, outdoor adventures, or travels to other countries - Greece, Italy, Norway, and Vietnam, to name a few - Ann documented her experiences with her camera.
She is survived by her husband of 66 years, John; her daughter Susan in Des Moines; her son Paul in Massachusetts and wife Martha Lewin, grandchildren Emilia and Max; her daughter Edie in Minneapolis and wife Peggy McKenna, grandson Galen; as well as extended family and many close friends. She is preceded in death by her daughter, Kathy.
Please join us on Saturday, January 6th, 2018 in the Penthouse at Scottish Rite Park in Des Moines to celebrate and honor Ann in an open house from 1pm - 4pm. At 3:00 there will be a formal opportunity for guests to share thoughts and memories of Ann.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by the Des Moines Register.
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The walls of our home have pieces of the Karras family adventures as Ann captured the perfect moment of a squirrel having lunch or a bird in flight. She also recorded the family visits "back east" throughout the years where cousins and aunts reconnected. The Johnson side of her family sends their deepest condolences and love to all the Karras's.
December 16, 2017
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