Karen Sue Carlson, 70, of Salina, Kansas and former Rooks County resident, died on Saturday, November 6, 2010 at her home in Salina.

She was born on December 4, 1939 in Osborne County, Kansas, the daughter of J. Harlan and Helen J. (Chapel) Miller.  After graduating high school she attended Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri where she graduated with honors.  She also attended and later taught, as a professor, at Friends University in Wichita, Kansas.  Later in life she worked as a coordinator for the Smokey Hills Museum Store in Salina and was a founding member of the Salina Humane Society.  She enjoyed animals, spending time with nature tending her garden and flowers but most of all she enjoyed spending quality time with her family.

She is survived by two sons, Matthew J. Carlson and wife Laura, Wes Carlson and wife Lisa all from Salina; two brothers Jene Miller and Gary Berry both of Derby, Kansas; four grandchildren Ashley, Alyssa and Tyler Carlson and Aiden Caton.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Gay Lynn and a brother Donald Lee Miller.

A private family service has been arranged for November 11, 2010. There will be no visitation or ceremony for anyone other than the family and close invited guests.  Memorials may be given to the Saline County Animal Shelter and sent in care of the mortuary.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.