Kara Renae Miles Risse, 39, of Jefferson City, after a long courageous battle with cancer, passed away Sunday, April 14, 2019, surrounded by her family and friends, at Capital Region Medical Center

She was born on February 28, 1980, in Jefferson City, the daughter of Marshall Allan and Patricia Ann Steinman Miles.

She was a 1998 graduate of Russellville High School and received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Lincoln University in 2002.

A registered nurse, Kara was employed through the years with Capital Region Medical Center, Dr. Tamara Hopkins, and Goldschmidt Cancer Center. Her passion and career was devoted to the care of cancer patients. She had an uncanny ability to reach people in deep and positive ways. She will be greatly missed by the Capital Region family and those she cared for.

She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and enjoyed cooking and interior decorating. Kara truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures, chatting with friends and family, and spending time with her children and her significant other, Jamie Rector.

Survivors include her children, Layla and Asher Risse, Jefferson City; her father, Marshall Miles, Russellville; two siblings, Gwen (Michael) Griffith, Wardsville; and Clayton (Elizabeth) Miles, Lohman; one niece, Isabelle Griffith; three nephews, Gabe Griffith, Owen Miles, and Evan Miles; her significant other, Jamie Rector of Jefferson City; and numerous aunts, uncles, and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday, April 18, 2019, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Jefferson City, with the Rev. Sam Powell and the Rev. Ron Lehenbauer officiating.

Burial will be in Mount Carmel Cemetery in Brazito, Missouri.

Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, April 17th, at Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home, Jefferson City.

Memorials are suggested to an educational fund for her children.