Karen Marie Miller

Karen Marie Miller, 82, passed away on May 25, 2025. She was born to Christian and Ella Josephine Elsasser on June 10, 1943, in Clay Center, Kansas. In 1965, Karen graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in Education. She earned her degree in theology from St. Paul’s Seminary in Kansas City in 2010.

Karen dedicated the first half of her professional career to teaching elementary school before transitioning to ministry in the United Methodist Church at age 60. She faithfully served congregations in Frankfort, Perry, Burchfiel, and finally Bluff City, where she ministered until her passing.

Outside of her career, Karen was a talented craftsman and an avid gardener who found her deepest peace under the sun, surrounded by birds and plants—while constantly devising ways to keep those darn rabbits away from her flowers. She also channeled her creativity into crafting intricate stained-glass pieces as gifts for family and friends. Above all, Karen’s greatest joy was her family, and her favorite role in life was being a grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Christian and Ella Josephine Elsasser, and LaUna Elsasser. She is survived by her children, Jason (Erin) Miller and Amanda (James) Boone; grandchildren, Alaina and Ryan Boone; and siblings, Doug (Marilyn) Elsasser, Arlie Elsasser, Betty (Mark) Herbert, and Christine Curl.

A memorial service will be held at 1pm on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at Smith Family Mortuary – Derby.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with Victory in the Valley, 3755 E Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67218.