Karen Jean Hill

Karen was born at St. Mary’s Hospital in East St. Louis on July 7, 1953, the daughter of Emil and Evelyn (Feig) Ferrero.

Karen graduated from Collinsville High School. After high school, she worked at the First National Bank and resigned to become a stay-at-home mom. As her children grew older, Karen pursued a career in education working in the Collinsville Unit 10 School District.

She is survived by the love of her life and husband of 44 years, Gary; children, Christy Hill Graklanoff, and Brett (Kara) Hill; grandchildren, Laynie Kamer, Emilynn Graklanoff, Madison Hill, Kortlynn Graklanoff, and Clara Hill. She is also survived by her mother, Evelyn (Feig) Ferrero; siblings, Kaye (Jerry) Smith, Dennis (Carol) Ferrero, and numerous nieces and nephews. Karen was preceded in death by her father, Emil Ferrero; and her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Mildred and Oliver Hill.

Karen loved to bake and was well known for her amazing Jewish coffee cake. She was a crocheting enthusiast, an avid crafter, enjoyed canning and photography. Karen’s camera never left her side. Karen loved to spend time at “The Timber”, where they would hunt, go for buggy rides, and enjoy the all the hummingbirds that she enjoyed feeding and watching. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her granddaughters.

Visitations will be held on Sunday, December 19, 2021 from 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. at Lake View Funeral Home. Interment will follow Lake View Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in memory of Karen may be made out to the National Down Syndrome Society, in honor of her granddaughter Kortlynn, or Shriners Children’s Hospital.

The family had request that everyone please wear a mask.