Karen Sue Hendershot

Karen Sue Hendershot, 85, of Kokomo, peacefully passed away on May 5, 2025, at her home. She was born on June 30, 1939, in Kokomo, Indiana, the daughter of Obadiah and Velma (Quick) Butler. On February 29, 1964, she married Wayne Miller, and he preceded her in death on September 9, 1986. On October 2, 1993, she married Ralph N. Hendershot, and he preceded her in death on April 12, 2018.

Karen graduated from Kokomo High School in 1957. She retired after 20 years of working at and later owning Wayne Miller Travel. Karen had previously worked for the Kokomo Public Library. She enjoyed traveling and visited all fifty states, the Holy Land, Europe, and the Caribbean. She loved mission trips with Ralph to C.A.M.P. in Costa Rica. Karen enjoyed music and was a member of many choirs and ensembles from high school onward including Sweet Assurance Women’s Trio for more than 15 years. She was a member of Altrusa, Howard County Choraliers, and the Mothers of Twins Club, where she was previously Indiana Mother of the Year. Karen was a current member of Bible Baptist Church, and a previous member of First Baptist Church for 45 years.

Karen is survived by her children, Warren (Dawn) Miller of Hillsdale, MI, Jane (Richard) Kinnamon of Holly, MI, Julie (Traci Elliott) Miller of Indianapolis, IN, and David (Elizabeth) Miller of Roswell, GA; step children, Peggy (Tom) Willis of Tucker, GA, and Greg (Susan) Hendershot of Kokomo, IN; grandchildren, Wayne Lucas (Mackenzie) Miller, Charles Daniel (Haley) Miller, Nathaniel Miller, Joseph Miller, Benjamin Kinnamon, Andrew Kinnamon, Timothy Kinnamon, Rachel Kinnamon, and Kaitlyn Miller; step grandchildren, Breanna (Caleb) Strom, Jaycey (Chase) Cottle, and Justin (Shaundra) Brewer; two step great grandchildren with another on the way; and sister, Carol Lantz. 

Karen was preceded in death by her husbands, Wayne L. Miller, and Ralph N. Hendershot; parents, Obadiah & Velma Butler; step grandson, Reese Hendershot; and brother, Jack Butler. 

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Rd. Kokomo, with Pastor Keith Treadway officiating. The service will be live streamed; the link will be available on her obituary page. Burial will follow in Kokomo Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Friday, May 16, 2025, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Bible Baptist Church, C.A.M.P., or a charity of your choice. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

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