Karen S. Hittle's Obituary
Karen S. Hittle, age 63, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, January 19, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on July 1, 1960, to Wallace and Barbara (Bush) Brethauer in Sacramento, CA. Karen called many places home over the years growing up in an Air Force family did that, but she eventually made her way to Michigan. She graduated from East Kentwood High School class of 1978. Karen found her passion in caring for others and spent many years working as a nurse. Karen dedicated the past three years working as a nurse for the Muskegon Correctional Facility. On April 22, 2000, she married the love of her life, Michael Hittle. Together they cherished 23 years full of love and laughter. She was a talented crafter and loved going on her many crafting retreats with her closest friends. Above all things, she loved spending time with her family, especially her grandbabies. She will always be remembered as a loving wife, mom, doting Maga (grandma), sister and dear friend to many. She was a spirited, jazzy and stubborn woman who could easy fill a room with her larger than life personality. Karen was your number one supporter and person you could always count on through it all. She will be missed by so many. She is survived by her husband, Michael Hittle; six children, Kari (Leon) Brethauer, Valencia (Charles) Sanders, Racquel (Benjamin) Renkema, Ricky Montgomery, Natashia England and Robert Hittle; 12 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; mother, Barbara Brethauer; sister, Patricia VanDyke; brother, Michael (Tracey) O’Reilly; and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Wallace Brethauer. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. Share memories with the family at www.sytsemafh.com.
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