Karen Rose Carr, 55, went to be with the Lord on Oct. 13, 2015, surrounded by loved ones.
Karen was born March 3, 1960, to Clark and Carma (Shull) Milleman in La Grange, Ind. She spent her childhood helping on the family farm and involved with friends and activities in school and at church.
She met David G. Carr, and they married on Decc. 30, 1978, and enjoyed 37 years of marriage. They started their life together in La Grange, Ind., where they welcomed their two children Krystal and Kyle. They moved to the Ontario community, where they enjoyed life for more than 25 years.
Karen was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, pouring her love and energy into her family daily. Her home and arms were always open, there was always amazing food on the table, and her smile and listening ear were a constant support. Karen’s greatest joy was her family.
Dave, her daughter and son-in-law Krystal and Matt Muellenberg and her four grandchildren, Amelia, Chase, Grant and Clara of Ontario, were part of her daily life right up until her last day. Her son and daughter-in-law Kyle and Nicole Carr and expected grandchild of The Woodlands, Texas, have recently returned from living abroad, were able to visit and be with her, making her happiness complete.
Along with her loving husband and children, she is survived by her parents, Clark and Carma Milleman of Burnettsville, Ind., and seven siblings with their families, Brian (Denise) Milleman of Johns Island, S.C., Bruce (Judy) Milleman of Ontario, Kathy (Greg) Hill of Travelers Rest, S.C., Kristine (Kim) Christlieb of Orland, Ind., Anita (Bob) Peterman of Manhattan, Kan., Bradley (Jane) Milleman of Anderson, Ind.; and Barry (Hilary) Milleman of Monticello, Ind.; her mother-in-law, Leah Carr of New Carlisle, Ind., and her husband’s siblings, James (Day) Carr of La Grange, Ind., Dale (Nancy) Carr of New Carlisle, Ind., Steve (Ina) Carr of Galien, Mich., Cheri (Bill) Hagerman of Ontario, Sue (Scott) Dobbs of Ontario, Joe Carr of Harbert, Mich., Kenneth (Tammie) Carr of New Carlisle, Ind.; along with dozens of nieces, nephews, and great- nieces and great-nephews, whom she loved and doted over unceasingly.
For all of the two large families that she happily directed into family reunions, special events, birthdays, and holidays, she will be so desperately missed as well. As large as her family is, her circle of friends, church family, coworkers, and community service co-laborers were even larger. Karen was involved in all things that made the world around her a better place. She taught children’s church and Sunday school, was a youth group leader for many years, sang in the choir and hosted women’s bible studies in her home, and cooked meals for those in need for Grace Community Church.
As the directing librarian at the Wilton Public Library, she organized summer reading programs, read countless books to children, and carefully involved herself with the parents and children who daily came into the library for more than 22 years.
She was a Norwalk-Ontario-Wilton School Board member for several years and worked hard to bring improvements into the schools.
She and her husband welcomed foreign-exchange students into their home for more than four years.
Her home was always full of delicious food served up to the many who were fortunate enough to be welcomed in and partake of her great cooking. She loved reading, taking long walks, staying connected with friends and family near and far with lengthy, handwritten letters, phone calls and visits as often as possible.
For all who are fortunate enough to have met or known her, we are thankful for the incredible blessings that have come to us through her life. Her faith was of ultimate importance and priority. Her love for God and relationship with Jesus Christ was evident to all who knew her. She continued to worship and be involved in church even up to her final days.
She struggled through the effects of a debilitating disease that took her life after only 3 1/2 years. God graciously took her to glory in the peace and blessing of her own home, on a normal day, with love and life happening around her. For this, we all thank God and know she is singing and enjoying the bliss of heaven with Jesus Christ and those she loves who have gone before. May you find the same peace she has.
The family wishes to thank all those who have brought meals, taken Karen for walks, stayed with her in her home, and prayed faithfully for her and the family throughout her battle with PPA.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to Vernon Memorial Hospice in Viroqua or Grace Community Church of Ontario.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, at Grace Community Church in Ontario. Burial in Billings Creek will be held at a later time.
Family and friends are invited for visitation Saturday, October 17, from 2–5 p.m. at the church. Visitation also will be held Sunday from 1 p.m. until the time of service at the church.
The Torkelson Funeral Home of Ontario is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
