Karen Elaine (Morrell) Devaisher, 79, of Avon, IN, died Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019, in Westfield, IN, after a short illness.
Visitation will be held Saturday, Dec. 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Avon United Methodist Church in Avon, IN. A Celebration of Life will follow at 2 p.m. at the church. Conkle Funeral Home in Avon, IN, is in charge of the arrangements.
Mrs. Devaisher was born June 24, 1940, in Taylorville, to Milford H. and Marcella (Denton) Morrell. She married Ronald Lee Devaisher on July 27, 1958, and he survives.
She graduated early as valedictorian of her Witt High School class. She and her husband settled in Evansville, IN, in 1961, and one of her greatest joys, being a mother, soon followed.
Mrs. Devaisher answered God's call to ministry after serving many years as church secretary at Newburgh and Epworth United Methodist churches while raising five children.
After finishing her degree at the University of Evansville, she took on seminary at age 49, while serving as part-time pastor at Pleasant Chapel and Boonville Faith congregations.
Pastor Karen, known as PK, graduated from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary with honors. She served as an ordained elder at Rockport First, Grandview, Pfrimmer's Chapel and Avon United Methodist churches.
Each church introduced new friends who brought joy to her life. She truly loved her congregations. She was ever-present to celebrate, mourn and honor those in her care, and quietly showered kindness on many hurting hearts in need of compassion.
After her retirement from parish ministry in 2012, she served as Associate District Superintendent of the Indianapolis District of the UMC through 2018, and served as interim pastor at Bethel UMC.
Her ministry was characterized by encouragement, compassionate and faithful pastoral care, and mischievous humor. She was a champion of missions, visiting countries on several continents. Her family never knew what church leaders from around the globe might be at dinner on any given night.
Serving her community was a lifelong priority for her, including board service at Fletcher Place, IU West Hospital, Otterbein Franklin and Mental Health of America in Hendricks County, among others.
She loved Jesus and His church. She also loved her family and friends, as well as black coffee and John Deere tractors. She received many awards, including Distinguished Alumnus of Louisville Seminary, the Harry Denman Evangelism Award and the Lydia Award from the South Indiana Conference of the UMC and a key to the town of Avon.
Her grandchildren will always remember their grandma's imperative to enjoy the mountains of sweets she kept on hand for their visits.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by daughters, Lori (Bruce) McConnell of Carmel, IN, Lisa (Rudy) Arrieta of Panama City Beach, FL, Linae Devaisher of Fishers, IN, and Leann (Michael) Beaven of Newburgh, IN; son, Len (Laura) Devaisher of Verona, WI; nine grandchildren, Duncan and Griffin McConnell, Daniel and Lydia Arrieta; Hannah, Caleb and Connor Beaven, and Ruby and Henry Devaisher; sister, Charline Dinkins; and beloved cousin, who was like a sister, Bev (Larry) Inman.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Brian Douglas.
Memorials may be made to the Pastor Karen Devaisher Scholarship fund at Avon UMC.
Online condolences may be left at www.conklefuneralhome.com.
