Karolyn K. Ely, 81, of Haven, died June 10, 2024, at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita. She was born June 1, 1943, in Dodge City, to Zerah and Hazel (Krengel) Linder.
Karolyn graduated from Fairfield High School in 1961, and attended Hutchinson Community Junior College, and graduated Cum Laude from Kansas State University with a Master’s degree in Food and Nutritional Science. She worked for Gerber Products Company in Michigan, before returning to Kansas and working as a Food Chemist at Pioneer in the cereal division, for over 20 years. Karolyn enjoyed teaching Tai Chi and volunteering at Haven United Methodist Church.
She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, and had a positive impact on everyone she met.
Karolyn was a member of Haven United Methodist Church and Master Gardeners of Reno County.
On August 14, 1964, she married Earl R. Ely, at the Plevna Community Church. They shared over 59 years of marriage.
Karolyn is survived by: husband, Earl R. Ely of Haven; daughters, Amber (Michael) Casement of Wichita, Robin (Peter Verniere) of Chicago, IL, Brooke (TJ Zenker) Ely-Zenker of Conroe, TX; grandchildren, Mitchael Casement and Brittani Casement of Wichita; cousins, Darlene (Bill) Blackmore, Yvonne (John) Montford, all of Turon, and Krista Lee (Roy) Heimberger of Topeka.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at Haven United Methodist Church, 201 N. Kansas Ave, Haven, with Pastor Lisa Dale officiating. Burial will be 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at Memorial Park Cemetery, 5905 W. 4th Ave, Hutchinson. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Monday, at Elliott Mortuary. Family will greet friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, June 17, 2024, at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Haven United Methodist Church and Haven Senior Center, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.