Karen Crane Miller Obituary (1940 - 2008)

KAREN CRANE MILLER RIVERDALE - Karen Crane Miller, 68, our wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away October 24, 2008, of complications from stomach cancer. She was born August 29, 1940, in Montpelier, Idaho, to William Butterfield and Lula Robison Crane. She grew up in Bennington, Idaho, and enjoyed a wonderful childhood with her parents, nine brothers and sisters, and extended family. Karen married Russell Duane Miller on October 19, 1961, in the Logan Temple. They were married 47 years. They lived in Shelley, Idaho, Goldendale, Washington, and Logan before moving to Roy in 1967. They spent the past few years in Riverdale. She graduated from Idaho State College with a bachelor's (B.S.) degree in nursing. She worked for 24 years at McKay-Dee Hospital and most recently at Davis Hospital. Karen belonged to local and national nursing organizations, and made seven humanitarian trips with Operation Smile (Philippines, Romania, Jordan, twice to China and twice to Kenya). She was a member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. Karen loved reading, crossword puzzles, family reunions and get-togethers, traveling and taking naps around the world. She was active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints all her life and enjoyed serving in many organizations. Karen helped develop the Laurel Legacy program, and spoke about family relations in a recent women's conference. Karen and Russ served together in the Hong Kong mission in 2001-2002, and have worked as temple workers at the Ogden Temple. Most recently, she found great joy as the primary pianist in her ward. Karen is survived by her husband and children; Chris J. (Michelle) Miller of Ogden; Barbara (Eric) Greenhalgh of Roy; Rebecca Nelson of Roy; Brenda (Troy) Nielsen of Soda Springs, Idaho; Paul (Joanne) Miller of Torrance, California; and foster daughter LaVerta Mason of Fruitland, N.M. as well as 23 precious grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers and sisters, Louise (Ronald) Reed, Tim (Marilyn) Crane, Eve (Mark) Dayton, Melvin (Dorothy) Crane, and McKay (Susie) Crane, all of Bennington, Idaho; Wilma Crane of Taylorsville; Virginia (Wayne) Swensen of Orem; Norene (Dan) Price of Burley, Idaho; and Laurence (Linda) Crane of Overland Park, Kansas. She was preceded in death by her parents. Karen's family would like to thank the many professionals who assisted with her care over the past few months, and for the love and concern shown by neighbors and friends throughout her illness. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 29, 2008, at 11:00 a.m., at Riverdale 8th Ward, 4000 Parker Drive (1150 West), Riverdale. Friends and family may call on Tuesday, October 28, 2008 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., at Myers Roy Mortuary 5865 South 1900 West, Roy, and on Wednesday from 9:30 - 10:30, prior to services at the church. Interment in the Bennington Cemetery, Bennington, Idaho @ 4:00 p.m. VisitationMyers Mortuary - Roy 5865 South 1900 West Roy, UT 84067 October 28, 2008 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM ServiceRiverdale 8th Ward 4000 Parker Dr. 1150 West Riverdale , UT October 29, 2008 11:00 AM CemeteryBennington Cemetery Bennington, ID October 29, 2008 4:00 PM