Karen Lee Mills

Karen Joseph Mills died Saturday, February 11, 2023, at home in Anderson Indiana.

Karen Lee Joseph was born March 12, 1949, at Saint Anthony Hospital in Terre Haute Indiana, to John Joseph, Jr. and Betty Joyce Craig Joseph, both deceased.

Survivors include her husband, Dan Mills; son, Danny Mills (Adrienne); daughter, Elizabeth “Libby” Mills (Alan Gaskill); grandchildren, Shelby Miller (Abigail Mayhue), Steven Miller (Marybeth Goodwin), Evan Mills (Kaidra Stanley) and Lauren Mills (Hunter Hardin). Also, her brother, John Anthony Joseph, III (Judy); sisters, Beth Joseph Key (Steve) and Janet Joseph Chandler (Scott). She is also survived by her stepmother, Frances Joseph, and much-loved cousin, Brenda Smith. She has many adored cousins, nieces and nephews, friends, and co-workers.

Karen attended Rae Elementary, McClain Junior High and Garfield High School in Terre Haute. She is a graduate of St. Anthony Hospital School of Nursing at Ball State University.

Karen Married Daniel William Mills on April 17, 1971, following a whirlwind courtship. They celebrated their fifty-first anniversary in 2022. Marriage to Dan brought her a plethora of wonderful in-laws.

Karen’s nursing career was spent in Behavioral Care, Hospice and Oncology. She was responsible for orientation and staff continuing education for the Community Hospital Behavioral Inpatient Program. Her favorite task was to surprise the staff with mock “Code Blues”. Karen developed the Compassionate Care Hospice at Hancock Memorial Hospital in Greenfield, IN from the ground up. This program became a Medicare and State Certified hospice provider. Community service included leading efforts to recognize McCordsville, IN as a legal entity and was voted as the first McCordsville Town Board President in 1988, serving two terms. She also served on the St. Thomas Parish Council in Fortville, IN and the St. Thomas Women’s Club.

Karen Considered her children and grandchildren her greatest accomplishment. Karen will be cremated following a viewing and memorial service at Flanner Buchanan – Washington Park East.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, from 2PM-6PM with a service at 6PM. All held at Flanner Buchanan—Washington Park East, 10722 E. Washington St. Indianapolis, Indiana, 46229