Karolyn Kay "KoKe" Anderson

Karolyn Kay “Koke” Anderson

Karolyn Kay “Koke” Anderson, age 91, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2025, in Las Cruces, NM. Koke was born in Ogden, Iowa, on October 15, 1934, to Frances and Freida (Appenzeller) Ballentine. She was raised on the family farm with her sister, Marilyn, and graduated from Jordan High School, where she received a nursing scholarship. She then attended Grandview College and the Iowa Methodist School of Nursing, where she received her Diploma of Nursing in 1955.

With a tender heart and loving care, she served in the nursing field for 64 years in Iowa, Texas, Missouri, Arkansas, and New Mexico. Koke married Richard Dean “Moose” Anderson on October 15, 1955, in Boone, Iowa. They lived in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where God blessed them with three children. In 1965, the family moved to Ankeny, Iowa.

Koke lived life with enthusiasm and spunk. She was a model for hard work, which was evident in her 20 years as a regional manager of Fuller Brush in central Iowa while also working as a nurse at Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines. After moving to Texas in 1985, a lifetime dream came to fruition when Korners of Karisma opened its doors as an elegant, high-end collectible gift shop. She managed this business while simultaneously practicing nursing at Presbyterian Urgent Care.

For the past several years, she lived in Las Cruces, NM, with her daughter. She officially retired in 2020 from Medi Spa & Mobile Med, where she was essential in comforting patients by telling stories, holding hands, and massaging their arms to ease their discomfort during treatment. Her laughter and compassionate voice brought calmness to the thousands of patients she served.

Koke had a personal relationship with her Heavenly Father; she was a prayer warrior and a member of Bible Study Fellowship International. In her free time, she found joy in dancing, fine dining, reading, and traveling. She enjoyed the cultural diversity and stunning architecture on her many trips abroad to Germany, France, Italy, Tahiti, Hawaii, Mexico, the Bahamas, Egypt, and Jordan. She was also very blessed to have the opportunity to travel for Christian Medical Mission trips to Israel and Russia.

Koke looked forward to returning to Iowa for her nursing college class reunions to treasure memories and laugh with classmates. She also shared her love of animals, especially dogs, with her family. Over the years, her dogs provided her with delight and pleasure, and her devoted Schnapps, Fritz, Trailin, Freida, and Tensy were deeply cared for by their momma.

Koke will be lovingly remembered by her children and their spouses: Richard Kim (Jill Klamm) Anderson, Kristin Schreurs, and Kurt (Jeannie) Anderson. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Melissa Schreurs Arnold (Jake Arnold), Brent Schreurs, Alaina Anderson Sexton (Sam Sexton), Elizabeth and Aricka Anderson, and Grant and Drake Anderson; and her great-grandchildren: Aubrie and Jayce Arnold and Brooklyn Schreurs. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard “Moose”; sister, Marilyn Ballard; brother-in-law, Dean Ballard; and parents, Frances and Freida Ballentine. She will also be greatly missed by her nephews and niece, along with extended family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be left with FBC Las Cruces for funding a nursing scholarship in Koke’s honor and memory.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Monday, February 2, 2026, at FBS Las Cruces, 4201 N. Sonoma Ranch Blvd, Las Cruces, NM, at 11:30 a.m.. Immediately following, please join us for a Celebration of Life lunch at Game II, 4131 Northrise Drive, Las Cruces, NM, on the enclosed patio.