Karen Sue Marvel, age 69, of Elkhart, Indiana, passed away on January 2, 2026. Born in Elkhart, Karen spent most of her life deeply rooted in the community she loved, faithfully serving her family and others with unwavering devotion.

Karen was the beloved wife of Charles William Marvel and a devoted mother to Tamara Lynn Smith (Aaron) of Elkhart, Melissa Ann Carlisle (Lance) of Elkhart, and Candace Helen Sheley of Goshen. She was also a devoted foster mother, opening her heart and home to many children over the years, including Jean Abraham Milfort (Mirlym) of Granger and Meredith Barrett (Jeff) of Elkhart.

Karen was a proud and loving grandmother to many grandchildren. Through her daughter Tamara Smith (Aaron), her grandchildren include Austin Smith (Katie), Micah Smith (Elizabeth), Aubrey Marquez (Jairo), Makenzie Rivera (Brandon), and Lauren Aguilera (Fredy Jr.). Through her daughter Melissa Carlisle (Lance), her grandchildren are Lucas Carlisle and Ella Carlisle. Through her daughter Candace Sheley, her grandchildren include Alexa Wuethrich, Tayler Enyeart, Kylee Sheley, and Rylee Sheley. Through her foster son Jean Milfort (Mirlym), her grandchildren are Irlyn Michelle Milfort and Jaden Milfort. Through her foster daughter Meredith Barrett (Jeff), her grandchildren are Olivia Barrett, Jude Barrett, and Liam Barrett. She was also blessed with nine great-grandchildren, each deeply cherished and dearly loved.

Karen’s life was marked by extraordinary selflessness. In nearly every season of life, she shared her home and her heart with others—running a foster home while raising her own children, welcoming family members and newly married grandchildren into her home when needed, and, in her later years, lovingly caring for her mother, Shirley Truex, who survives her.

Karen is also survived by her siblings: Pamela Magary (Dennis) of Vernon Hills, Illinois; Nick Miller (Sheryl) of White Pigeon, Michigan; and Lori True (Scott) of Westchester, Ohio. She was preceded in death by her father, Raymond Nick Miller.

Karen’s faith in Jesus Christ was her cornerstone. She built her life around being a light in a dark world, most clearly reflected in the way she loved her family and the countless children she impacted throughout her life. She spent most of her life as a preschool teacher, finding deep joy in nurturing young hearts and minds—including the special blessing of teaching many of her own grandchildren. She taught for many years at Hively Avenue Preschool, where she also served as director for a time, and later taught at Clinton Christian School.

Karen’s legacy is defined by selfless love and a firm faith in Christ. Those who love her carry that legacy forward with peace and anticipation, trusting in the promise of a joyful reunion.

A Funeral Service for Karen will be held at 11:00am on Friday, January 9, 2026 at Sugar Grove Church, 58512 Old County Road 17, Goshen, IN 46528 with Pastor Brett Baranic officiating.

Friends and family may gather from 9:30am to 11:00am Friday, January 9, 2026 before the start of service at the church.

Graveside service will be immediately following the service.

The live stream link for the service for those not able to attend in person may be found at  https://youtube.com/live/91wv060JnYY?feature=share

Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, IN 46514 is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to Sugar Grove at www.sugargrovechurch.com/give where the church will allocate funds towards the kids ministry where Karen served as a volunteer.

For those that wish to send a condolence, share a memory or order flowers may do so at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.