Surrounded by the immense love of family and best friends, Karen Lynn Hill peacefully passed away on June 3, 2025. Karen embraced life with an adventurous spirit, turning every moment into a vibrant and unforgettable experience. Her boundless curiosity and fearless enthusiasm inspired those around her, leaving a legacy of joy, exploration, and love. She truly lived life to the fullest.

Born June 30, 1948, in Eureka to Harold and Virginia “Ruth” Hill, she was the youngest of four. She adored her older siblings and never stopped celebrating them throughout her life. After attending local schools, Karen graduated from College of the Redwoods with her AA degree. She worked as a teacher’s aide at Freshwater Elementary School, where she enjoyed all the students and kept up with their lives as they continued beyond grade school.

Karen eventually became a phlebotomist and loyally worked for General Hospital for 30-plus years. Everyone who had their blood drawn knew Karen, and she made sure to make friends with all her patients. Karen loved her toys—her beloved horse Jerobe, her motorcycles, kayaks, the “Dolphin” (a small RV which she used to teach her great-nephew Jack to drive stick).

Karen also committed herself to adopt a highway cleanup stretch on 101 for many years. If Karen wanted to do something, she made it happen, and for that, she is such a role model for all of us! Along with her best friend, Colleen, they couldn’t help but get themselves in fun trouble. The stories of their escapades are legend. Camping at “The Cove” and Reggae on the River were annual pilgrimages. Her lasting legacy is her absolute loyalty and commitment to the ones she loved. Friends and family were the center of her life. She never missed a graduation, a recital, or a birthday. Not only did she show up, but she took care of everyone.

Karen is preceded in death by her parents, Ruth and Harold Hill; brothers, Pete and Tom; sister, Linda Macdonald; brother-in-law, Jack Macdonald; and nephew, Shane Hill. She is survived by her sisters-in-law, Jackie Hill and Diane Bonomini; nieces, Jill Macdonald, Polly Endert, Sally Macdonald, Heidi Hill, Molly Hill, and Shannon Fulton; and her very best friend, Colleen Murrish, and Colleen’s daughters, Carmen Sargent and Heidi McDermott, along with their families. She is also survived by many great (and great-great) nieces and nephews, who all affectionately called her “AK.”

Please join us for a celebration of life Sunday, September 7, 2025, at the Benbow Historic Inn from 2–5 p.m. If you would like to donate, Main Stage Humboldt is an organization close to Karen’s heart (mainstagehumboldt.org), or any charity of your choice.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Karen Hill’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.