Karen "Kay" Dorsett

Karen "Kay" Dorsett (Thomas) 85 of Indianola passed away peacefully on Friday, November 28th, 2025.

Born to Dorothy and Bernard Thomas in Creston, Iowa, Kay grew up with three sisters, Marilyn and eventually stepsisters, Linda and Lonnie.

A graduate of Cedar Rapids High School, Kay furthered her education by taking classes at DMACC and Drake University.

As a young adult, she brought smiles and speedy service as a roller-skating carhop at a local Cedar Rapids diner. Later, she relocated to Des Moines, where her career flourished. She worked at Whylie Optical in downtown Des Moines, then transitioned to the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, and eventually retired from the Iowa Lottery department G-Tech division.

She was a proud mother of two daughters Kim and Kris, always attending their numerous activities and a devoted grandmother to her grandson Robby.

Kay enjoyed a wide variety of interests including movies, concerts, shopping, camping, fishing, horseback riding and taking care of her big, beautiful yard.

She was a true Elvis fan, even taking her young daughters to one of his final concerts. She also had a soft spot for babies and big family gatherings. An exceptional cook, Kay was known for preparing delicious meals that brought everyone together, anyone was welcome in her home and at her dinner table.

August of 2000 brought great sadness and heartache to her and the family as her eldest daughter, Kim unexpectedly passed away. Her life, demeanor and overall health changed after this tremendous loss.

If you knew her, you most likely will remember her silly personality and contagious laugh. The sound of her giggling could make even the most serious person crack a smile. She lived life on her own terms even at the end, she did it "her way."

Kay is survived by her daughter, Kris Chambers-Campbell and son-in-law Joel Campbell of West Des Moines; grandson, Rob Andersen of Texas; and many other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dorothy Thomas, Barney (Verna) Thomas; daughter, Kim Chambers-Andersen; sister, Marilyn Hunt; stepsisters, Linda Shahan and Lonnie Gentry; nephew, Jeff Johnson; and many other family members.

A special "thank you" to her cousin Carol Evans of Texas for the constant communication and presence throughout her life. And to Patty Fagen of Indianola for all of the help over the years -- Step cousin by marriage, dear friend by choice! Heartfelt gratitude to the amazing Suncrest Hospice team.

Per her wishes there was no visitation or funeral, and burial took place at IOOF cemetery in Indianola, Iowa.