Mary Ellen Karas

Mary Ellen Karas, age 93 of Chattanooga, Tennessee, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 18, 2026. 

She was born June 16, 1933, in Ogden, Iowa, to Edgar and Rosamond Miller and was raised on the family farm south of Ogden. 

Mary Ellen was a graduate of Ogden High School with the class of 1951. Following graduation, she moved to Des Moines, Iowa and began a career in banking. 

She was united in marriage to the love of her life, Richard C. Karas, on February 14, 1964. They moved to Hammond, Indiana where she continued her career with Mercantile National Bank and worked up to Assistant Vice President before her resignation in 1983. 

The couple moved to Chattanooga, TN in 1983 where she resided until her death. She loved cats, music, and caring for her yard. 

Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her husband, Richard; infant daughter, Kristina Kay; sisters, Juanita and Amy Lou; brothers, Robert and Darrell; and brothers-in-law, Lester Anderson and Brown Garlock. 

She is survived by her sister, Norma Jean Anderson; sisters-in-law, Joyce Miller and Peggy Miller; and several nieces and nephews.

Services are currently pending.