Karen Sue Kilburn, 74, of Cable, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 17, 2025, at her daughter’s house after a short but aggressive battle with cancer, surrounded by her loving family.
Karen was born in Hazard, Kentucky, on June 16, 1950, to the late Asberry and Lida (Campbell) Kilburn. She was preceded in death by brothers Wayne Kilburn and Asberry “Buddy” Kilburn Jr.
Karen is survived by her son Larry Joe (Michelle) Hurley of Zanesfield, and daughter Toni Hurley of De Graff; 5 grandchildren: Brittany Roby-Young, Dustin Roby, Marah Hurley, Dillon (Mackenzie) Hurley, and Kenzie (Dalton) Short; grandson-in-law Kyle Young; 5 great-grandchildren: Claire, Avery, Amelia, Talon, Sophia and one on the way; a very special friend and loving companion Steve Jolliff and his children Larry (Sarah) Jolliff and Luke (Valorie) Jolliff and grandchildren Lane and Piper; siblings: Glenna Moore, James (Sharon) Kilburn, Sandy Kilburn and Robbie (Pam) Kilburn; numerous nieces and nephews.
Karen worked for United Telephone Company/Sprint as an engineer for 22 years, and then went to work at First Financial Bank in Middletown as a security analyst before retiring. Karen had a love for anything outside and spent many hours of the day on her farm, cultivating the land, growing flowers, herbs and vegetable gardens as well as tending to her cats and cows. Karen also held a soft spot for any animal that ran freely on her farm and spoiled the deer, raccoons and possums with daily treats.
Karen’s true love was her family and friends, always praising her Lord for every day that he gave her on this earth, the good and the bad. She would often tell her daughter, “The moral of life is to never take anything for granted and the only thing guaranteed is this moment, so cherish each one as each one is a blessing from God.”
Pastor Bryan Meadows will officiate Karen’s memorial service on Thursday, January 23, at noon at Cornerstone Church at Huntsville, 6611 Fruit St. Huntsville, Ohio, where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at a later date in Huntsville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a college fund for her granddaughter Marah Hurley, who is a PreVet/Animal Science major at the University of Findlay. One of Karen’s greatest wishes in life was that there would be a Veterinarian in the family to take care of all of God’s animals.
Eichholtz Daring & Sanford & Cremation Center, Bellefontaine, is honored to serve the Kilburn family and encourages anyone to Share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.edsfh.com.