Karen Miller

Karen Richards Miller

Vicki “Karen” (Richards) Miller, 81, of Grand Junction passed away from a short bout of metastatic cancer on February 2, 2020, at the Ferris Hospice Care Center in Grand Junction, Colorado.

Karen was born on March 9, 1940, in Macon County, Missouri the daughter of Mary Etta Ford Richards and Arthur Jonah Richards. She attended La Plata High School and graduated in 1958. She played the trumpet with the marching band and taught tap dancing as her first job. She attended Northeast Missouri State University graduating with a degree in Education. Karen was a lifelong learner and received several master’s degrees. She was passionate about teaching children and taught every grade, but her specialty was in elementary. Karen felt everyday had an opportunity to learn something new.

Karen moved to California in her twenties and in her thirties met and married the love of her life, Robert Jacob Miller. After a trip to Grand Junction, Colorado they decided to move there in 1981. Karen taught at Columbine and Mesa View Elementary schools in Grand Junction. She wasn’t one to forget a student and could remember names even after 20 years had passed. She retired after 40 years. She was really meant to be two things, a mom and a teacher and she excelled at both. She was very creative, kind, gentle, accepting of all, and quick witted. She enjoyed sewing, cross-stitching, dancing, and the outdoors. She was a member of St. Mathew’s Episcopal Church.

She is survived by sister Karmen Richards Miller, Daughter Jillian K Miller, stepchildren, Robert Miller Jr, JoAnna Miller, Bill Miller, Grandchildren, Silvia Torres, Kevin Miller, Noelle Wasco, Robbie Miller, Kyle Huddy. Great Grandchildren, Kristin, Erik, Brian, Silver, Alex, Nathan, Gabe, Harlow, Hayden.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband Robert Jacob Miller on August 4, 2001.

The goal in life is to love and be loved. Karen definitely accomplished that, and God must have felt it time for her graduation to the next realm. Congratulations on your graduation mom.

Always In Our Hearts

LOVE LIVES ON!

A Memorial Fund has been set up in the names of Andrew and GiGi Miller, Jillian’s children. If you’d like to donate, please refer to Western Rockies Federal Credit Union of Grand Junction, CO 81501. Jillian K Miller, account reference number is 8617006-02.