Karen Jo (Kirschner) Mills, age 82, of Wooster, passed away very unexpectedly on July 21, 2026 at the Wooster Community Hospital.
Karen’s life journey began on February 7, 1944, born to Edward and Eleanore (Hider) Kirschner. Being the oldest of two siblings, she was always looking out and helping to take care of her younger sisters.
A lifelong resident of the Wooster community, Karen attended Wooster City Schools and graduated from high school in 1962.
She then went on to work at Rubbermaid, Inc. as a secretary for quite a few years, and then later on in life worked for Dr. Joel Kennedy, O.D. as a secretary.
On August 25, 1966, Karen married the love of her life, Wilbur Mowrer. Together, they had 3 children, Tim, Melissa and Jeffrey. Being a mother was her greatest accomplishment in her life.
Throughout the years, several of Karen’s passions were reading, crocheting, knitting, making crafts, and building Lego sets. She took great pride in making things for her family.
As she became a Grandmother, she was quickly nick-named “Mimi” by her first grandson, Keegan. Being “Mimi” and “great Mimi” was also one of the greatest pleasures in her life up until the very end. The love she had for her family was undeniable.
In the latter part of her life, she enjoyed going out for breakfast and dinners with her companion, Jim, and spending time with him.
Karen was loved by so many, and she will be greatly missed by all her family and friends.
“Your memory is our keepsake, with which will never part. God has you in his keeping; we have you in our heart”.
Rest well.
Karen is survived by children Tim (Laura) Mills of Parma, Melissa Bess of Wooster, Jeffrey (Tadd Underwood) Mills of Columbus; grandchildren Keegan (Kaley) Bess of Wooster, Macadam “Petey” Bess of Wooster, Daniel Mills of Arlington, VA, Elizabeth Mills of Parma, Sarah Mills of Parma, Bailey Mills of Louisville, Kentucky; great grandchildren Cayden Guthrie, Emmett Bess, Ledger Bess, Holland Bess; sisters Cheryl (Charles) Weber, Rebecca (David) Thomas; many cherished nieces and nephews and companion, Jim Pearce.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Wilbur Mowrer, husband, Richard Mills; father, Edward Kirschner and mother, Eleanore (Hider) Kirschner.
A private viewing and service for immediate family will be held.
McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
It saddened me to read of Karen’s passing. We (and her sisters) were grade school neighbors. Oh what fun we had back then. We didn’t cross paths too often these past few years, but she was always a happy, sweet lady when our paths crossed. My deepest sympathy goes to her children and her sisters. RIP Karen as you are now reunited with the two men in her life💔
I am so sorry to have heard about Karen’s passing. She was one of my FB buddies and I have been a long time friend of her siser, Becky. My heart goes out to all the family and pray the Lord comfort each of you as you reflect on the good memories you shared with Karen. Rest in Heaven, Karen!
So sorry to read about Karen..Always looked forward to her FB posts. She always seemed so happy and generally interested in what you had to say. Ken and I send our prayers. RIP Karen❤️🙏
I am so sorry to hear about Karen’s passing. I had the pleasure of getting to know her at her grandchildren’s events and graduations. Sending our prayers to all the family.
We are so saddened to hear of the passing of Karen. Our deepest sympathy extended to all her family. She was always
a pleasant person and it radiated in her life.
May you all reflect on the great memories of life shared throughout the years.
Karen was such a beautiful woman who had a zest for life. I worked with her at the eye doctors office,& she was a pleasure to work with.
I’m saddened by her sudden passing , & may God grant the family peace, comfort & strength during this difficult time.
Missy, Tim & Jeff, Cheryl & Becky: Our deepest sympathy. Broken heart 💔 Karen was such a delightful person to be around.Had so many fun times with her & (The Duck) ! Many craft shows with Buelah , couples dances & Oh so many New Years Eve’s! Karen will live in your heart forever with all the wonderful memories you have of her. Rest easy, dear friend.
Tim, Missy and Jeff, I am sorry for your loss. I have great memories of your mom growing up in the Kean elementary neighborhood with all of you. Prayers of comfort for all of you.
Missy, I am so sorry to hear that your mom has died! I learned to know her when she worked for Dr. Kennedy, and I just loved her! This is a tremendous loss for you and probably hard to believe it’s real at this point. Oh how she loved you!!! Please remember that as you go through this painful time. I hope you are doing well otherwise.
Mel and family
Please accept my deepest sympathy to all.
Sorry to have heard about the passing of your loved one.
I’m certain she shared her love for each of you in her own special way. Hold those precious memories and remember all the good , fun times you spent with her.
May God give all of you strength during this very difficult time.May your cherished memories sustain each of you in the coming days.
Again sorry for your loss.
Take Care
Paula walton
I am so very sorry to learn of my friend’s passing. She was one of the first people I met when moving to Wooster and she introduced me to so many people, invited us to so many parties. We became fast friends. She was so much fun! I rarely saw her these days but when I’d see her anywhere it was like we’d just seen each other yesterday. The memory of her will be with me forever!
We’re classmates and good friends will miss her at are class lunches.prayers to her family and friends.
Karen was a neighbor & dear friend. Her husband, Dick and my husband, John were friends since grade school. Years later we lived on the same street and shared many happy memories. Karen & I had many “Harry & Harry” stories to tell. Praying God’s peace and comfort to all her family. She adored all of you!
To Missy,Tim,Jeff ,Cheryl Rebecca and Jim Pearce
I was shocked and greatly saddened to read of Karen’s passing. I have known Karen since I moved to Wooster many years ago. Karen was one of the most congenial persons I’ve known. She was always welcoming and caring and kind to everyone. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Anyone who knew her knows how much she loved all of her family and hopefully all of you will cherish the many happy memories she created or shared with you.
So saddened to hear of Karen’s passing. She was a breath of fresh air, a joy to be around, and loved by many, including me!. Jim, Cheryl, Becky, her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and family and her many, many friends, may you find peace and comfort in the many wonderful memories of her. RIP Karen, you have certainly earned your seat at God’s table.
The world is less bright now that Karen gone! I am truly sorry to hear of her passing. My favorite homeroom classmate through high school will be missed!
May God bless and keep all those who loved and cherished her.
Melissa, Tim, and Jeff- We are sorry to hear about the passing of your Mother. We hope that all of the wonderful memories and time you shared together will give you peace and comfort.
– Jennifer Campbell and Family
I am deeply saddened to hear of her passing. We played together when I lived on Spunk Street. Recently we competed on Facebook to solve the word puzzles. She answered the hard ones while took the easy ones.
May she rest in peace.