Karen Hill

Waynesville-Karen L. Hill passed away November 29, 2007 in her home in Waynesville, NC. Karen was born in Beckley, WV on February 10, 1949. She attended Doane College in Crete, NE, where she received her degree in elementary education. Her career led her to public relations, most recently with Anchorage Community Mental Health Services. In March of 2007, her husband retired after 23 years with the Alaska Railroad, and they departed their longtime home in Eagle River, AK in their motor home to tour the U.S. Karen continued her work with ACMHS while traveling. As their travels took them east, they found themselves in the Smoky Mountains, where Karen felt at home and fell in love with the area. They easily found a home where they would begin the next stage of their retirement dream. Awaiting the arrival of their belongings from Alaska, they continued to tour the south, visiting family along the way. Karen's final days were spent with her husband and family, planning the move into her new dream home. She was 57 years old. Karen is survived by her husband of 37 years, Donald W. Hill; her son, Donald W. Hill Jr. and his wife Niki and their children, Tanner, Damon, Madison, and Wyatt, of Wilmington, NC; her son, Jason T. Hill and his wife Wendy and their daughter Ella, of Providence, RI; her parents, Robert and L. Juanita Pettigrew of Casper, WY; her brother, Robert Pettigrew Jr. and his wife Shawna and their children, Raylynn and Madison, of Casper, WY; her father-in-law, William Hill of Lenexa, KS; her brother-in-law, James Hill and his wife Dineen and their children, Mary Kay, Stephanie, Christie, and Justin of Lenexa, KS; her sister-in-law, Laura Staker and her husband Craig of Wamsutter, WY; and her beloved dog, Cody. Karen's life was celebrated by her family near her new home in Waynesville, NC. At her request, no formal memorial was held to commemorate her passing.