:quality(70):focal(409x452:419x462)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/4UHTHXJTBBEOPOBULYV4SREUZM.jpg)
Karla Kae (Sanders) Mitchell, 73, of Afton, gained her angel wings April 12, 2025, while resting peacefully at her home. A Celebration of Life service will be held 1 p.m. Friday, April 18, at Powers Funeral Home in Creston. Services will be livestreamed and accessible via the link under her obituary on the funeral home’s website. Burial will follow in Moon Cemetery near Macksburg. Mary O’Riley will officiate. Open visitation will be held 2–7 p.m., with family receiving friends from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, April 17, at Powers Funeral Home in Creston.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family, to be designated at a later time. Online condolences may be made at www.powersfh.com.
Karla was born on Aug. 5, 1951, to Glen and Verdell (Schwint) Sanders in Dexter. She graduated from Dexfield High School in 1969. After high school, Karla lived with her sister Betty in Des Moines while working at AID Insurance, which later became Allied Insurance. On May 29, 1971, Karla was united in marriage to Robert (Bob) Mitchell in Dexter. To this union, three daughters were born: Shannon, Stacy and Wendi “Bobbie.” Karla and Bob lived in Booneville briefly before purchasing their farm north of Afton in 1973.
In 1977, Karla began working at Bunn-O-Matic, where she remained until her retirement on Sept. 4, 2018. Karla had a deep passion for gardening. She was meticulous in her garden, and though she often said next year’s garden would be smaller, those who knew her best understood it would likely be even bigger. “Granny” always had an abundant harvest and loved sharing her vegetables with family, friends and neighbors.
Karla was also a devoted sports fan. She followed baseball religiously, especially her beloved Chicago Cubs. A proud moment was watching them win the World Series. She followed trades, stats and salaries with the same intensity—often commenting on who was “worth the money” and who wasn’t, especially her favorite, “Pretty Boy.” One of her last and most cherished memories was celebrating her birthday at an Iowa Cubs game with her entire family.
Throughout her life, Karla was a passionate supporter of her daughters’ athletic events, traveling near and far to cheer them on. That same support carried over to her grandchildren’s activities. She never missed an opportunity to give them pointers or cheer the loudest from the stands—her voice always distinct and full of pride.
Karla is survived by her daughters, Shannon Thompson (Clint Hoffman) of Diagonal, Stacy (Mike) Johnson of Gilbert and Wendi “Bobbie” Eslinger of Macksburg; grandchildren, Morgan Thompson (Cooper McDermott), David (Chloe) Thompson, Wyatt (Jaxie) Thompson, Keaton Eslinger (Liz McNamara), Mitchell Johnson (ShyAnne Brogden), Beau Thompson (Kara Kinsella), Kaela Eslinger, Vanessa Johnson (Brayden Evertsen), Hank Johnson and Kinsey Eslinger (Noah Felix) and great-grandchildren, Ellie Thompson and Layton Thompson. She is also survived by her brothers, Duane Sanders, Lyle (Wanda) Sanders, Merlin Sanders, Allen (Dottie) Sanders and Tom (Mary) Sanders; sisters, Joyce (John) Jensen and Betty (Lonnie) Love; brothers-in-law, Jim (Cheryl) Mitchell and Keith (Karen) Mitchell; sister-in-law Judy McCarthy and many nieces and nephews.
Karla was preceded in death by her husband Bob (May 2024); son-in-law Jeff Eslinger (July 2023); parents, Glen and Verdell Sanders; parents-in-law, Irven and Doris Mitchell; brothers, Ronald and Billy Sanders; sisters, Margie Craddock, Gene Sanders and Peggy Grimm; brothers-in-law, Donnie Mitchell and Shorty McCarthy and sisters-in-law, Lola Sanders, Rosie Sanders and Sheryl Mitchell.