Karen Jane Ellcey

Karen Jane (Bergman) Ellcey was born on November 5, 1948, to Paul Donald and Alma Grace (Devine) Bergman of Arthur, Iowa. She passed away on May 31, 2025. Karen grew up on a farm outside Arthur, where she shared countless adventures with her two brothers and two sisters. Those Iowa roots stayed with her throughout her life, shaping her character. She graduated from Odebolt-Arthur School in 1966. She attended Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, where her childhood faith deepened and her passion for ministry grew. After graduation, she joined Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF), where she met Chuck. Their shared love for God and ministry became the foundation of their marriage. Chuck and Karen were married December 15, 1979, beginning their 45-year journey together. Karen and Chuck started their family in Iowa, where their first three sons were born. They then moved their young family to Chicago, where Chuck finished his studies at Moody, before moving to Texas for seminary, where their youngest son Daniel was born. Chuck’s career with the U.S. Postal Service eventually brought them to Siloam Springs, Arkansas in 2009, where they settled near their oldest son’s family. Siloam Springs became home in the truest sense—filled with dear friends and a church family they loved deeply. Karen loved the Lord and loved her family deeply. She knew Scripture well and often lived by her favorite verse: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7)” There was little she delighted in more than sharing Jesus with children, especially her 14 grandchildren. Even when her memory began to fade, she lit up to hear her youngest grandchildren sing Jesus Loves Me and joined in softly singing and swaying to the tune. Her sons and grandchildren knew her for more than her faith, though that was certainly part of it. To her sons, she was simply Mom, and to her grandchildren, she was Mema - but to all of them, she was known for her caramel rolls, her homemade chicken and noodles, and most famously, her "purple wumbars." These chocolate peanut butter rice crispy treats got their unique name from her son Tim, and they became a family tradition that no gathering was complete without. She and Chuck loved taking their boys to the zoo, and all her sons grew up to love animals. She enjoyed playing Uno and Rummikub with the grandkids, loved going to the hymn sing at the senior center, and was always down for a coloring session at the kitchen table. She had a passion for collecting butterflies, and every weekday at 6:30 pm sharp, you could find her settled in to watch Wheel of Fortune. Karen is survived by her husband Chuck and their four sons: David and his wife Leah with their five children; Jonathan and his wife Emile with their five children; Timothy and his wife Kara with their four children; and Daniel and his wife Malia. She is also survived by her brother Barry and his wife Susan and many nieces and nephews. Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Don and Alma Bergman, her sister LaDonna Nelson, her sister Lori Thompson, and her brother Ron Bergman. Karen was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. A memorial service will be held at Siloam Springs Bible Church on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 10:30 AM with her nephew, Billy Bergman, officiating.

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Karen Jane Ellcey

November 5, 1948 - May 31, 2025