Karen Sue (Miller) Sheridan passed away peacefully on January 21, 2026, at Covenant Health System, with her hands held by her beloved son and daughter‑in‑law.

Karen was born on September 23, 1944, in Merrill, Michigan, to Earl and Catherine (Thom) Miller. One of twelve children, she grew up in LaPorte, Michigan. From an early age, her warmth, humor, and ease with people set her apart.

A proud Midland Chemic—who especially loved singing the fight song—Karen met the love of her life, Michael Sheridan. Their marriage launched a life of adventure, traveling with the U.S. Air Force from North Dakota to Puerto Rico before eventually planting roots in Hemlock, Michigan. Through a cruel twist of fate, Karen lost Mike far too soon in an accident. Though her heart was broken, they were blessed with their son, Michael, who carried the very best parts of his father and became the greatest source of joy and pride in Karen’s life.

She worked in healthcare at St. Luke’s Hospital and later returned to caregiving at Schnepp’s Home in St. Louis. You might also have found her working in the kitchen at B & L’s Shed. Karen was not made for a desk—her true gift was people. Her warmth, laughter, and easy connection with others left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Above all, she was a devoted mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great‑grandmother, and friend.

Karen was the undisputed social director of the family—always lively and forever a kid at heart. When Mike and Karen installed a bar in their home, it quickly became the gathering place. From pool parties and birthdays to Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (who could forget the big underpants), the house was never short on family, friends, or laughter.

Karen loved traveling and was always on the go. From trips to Arizona and Nashville to weekends at Round Lake, adventure was never far away. Her motor home carried loved ones on many memorable trips to Indian Rocks Beach and Orlando, Florida. That same motor home also played host to legendary Christmas caroling outings, loaded with her brothers and sisters, plenty of laughter, and just enough mischief to prove that growing older never meant growing up.

She brought that playful spirit to Lake of Dreams Campground, where she spent many summers riding around on a golf cart with her sister, squirt guns in hand, ready to soak anything that moved. Playful and joyful until the very end, her fun-loving nature made her the very best grandma and great‑grandma. Some of her happiest moments were spent simply being with them at the park.

Karen was at her truest and happiest when surrounded by family, and she remained that way through her final days. Though she will be deeply missed, the laughter, love, and joy she shared will continue to live on in the memories of all who knew her.

Karen is survived by her son and daughter‑in‑law, Michael and Beth Sheridan; grandchildren Andrew (Krissy) Courser, Felisha (Nathaniel) Bandfield, and Dustin Courser; great‑grandchildren Waylon and Hudson Courser; Callie, Oakley, and Brantlee Bandfield; Blayke, Phoenix, and Ryker Courser; her brothers Ernie (Barb) Miller, Ron (Colleen) Miller, Mike (Pam) Miller, and Rick (Jackie) Miller; her sisters Pat Urbancik, Mary Aaron, and Helen Miller; her brother-in-law Duane Kruth; sister‑in‑law Mary Miller; and many treasured nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Michael Sheridan; her parents Earl and Catherine Miller; her parents‑in‑law Rex and Catherine Sheridan; great‑grandchildren Maddox Courser and Addison Courser; her brothers Jerry Miller, Tom Miller, and Bill Miller; her sister Sandee Kruth; her brothers‑in‑law Jerry Aaron, Larry Urbancik, and Rex Sheridan; and her sisters‑in‑law Cathy Miller and Sally Woods.

Friends may visit with the family from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 125 E Saginaw St, Merrill, MI 48637, where the funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 25, 2026.

Pastor Willis Lewis will officiate the service with interment to follow in St. Mary Cemetery in Hemlock.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the American Diabetes Association or the National Kidney Foundation.

Please share memories of Karen at the funeral home or by visiting www.casefuneralhome.com.