Yakima, WA - Karen Lee Miller passed away peacefully into God's waiting arms on September 7, 2025 at the age of 74. She was surrounded by her husband Larry, her three grown children and their spouses plus her brother and his wife; most of the people closest in her life were by her side during her last moments at home in Yakima.

Karen was born in May of 1951 in Yakima, WA to Mark and Regina Berger and was the youngest of five children.

Her Catholic faith was always important to her. She attended St. Paul's grade school, then Carrol High School graduating with the class of 1970, plus attended one year at Yakima Valley Community College.

Karen married Larry Michael Miller in Victoria, BC on August 7th, 1972 and the following year on December 7th,1973 their marriage was blessed at Holy Family Church in Yakima.

Karen was a loving wonderful wife for her husband Larry and a devoted mother to their three children -- Amy, Lynn and Ryan and actively supported their school and church activities. As she remarked in a high school reunion booklet -- Occupation: Housewife -- and I love it!

She cooked nutritious meals and her potato bread rolls and blueberry muffins were favorites. She loved family get-togethers for holidays, birthdays or any occasion to be with her children and later 14 grandchildren which she adored.

Karen volunteered at St Paul's grade school for a couple years then began a 22 year career from 1991 to 2013 at Davis High School for the Yakima Association of Paraprofessionals working with special education students whom she had a soft spot in her heart for. She made a few lifelong friendships from some of the teaching staff from those years.

Karen enjoyed family vacations at Sandpiper Beach on the Washington coast for 40 plus years. She helped her husband build two new homes, travelled to Hawaii after Larry's retirement, kept busy with her grandkids, plus outings with Larry for walks, picnics, hiking, cross-country skiing, kayaking on small lakes and short motorcycle trips for brunch or scenic rides, although one was to Banff and Lake Louise in Canada.

Karen suffered from advanced dementia which eventually stole her memory and our family lost a delightful wife, mother and grandmother.

Karen is survived by her husband Larry of 53 years, children Amy Miller, Lynn (John) Lynch, Ryan (Kimberly) Miller, stepson Scott (Brenda) Herberg, sister Dorothy Pratt and brother Duane (Carol) Berger plus 14 grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents Mark and Regina Berger, brothers Ralph (Lois) Berger, and Ron Berger and in-laws Albert and Maria Miller.

Contributions may be made to a source of broadcasts she listened to at EWTN Global Catholic Network in lieu of flowers.

A vigil service for Karen will be held Friday, October 10, 2025 at 7:00 PM at Holy Family Catholic Church, 5315 Tieton Dr, Yakima, WA 98908. A funeral mass will occur Saturday, October 11, 2025 from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM, 5315 Tieton Dr, Yakima, WA 98908. A graveside service will occur Saturday, October 11, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Calvary Cemetery, 1405 S 24th Ave, Yakima, WA 98902.