Karen Jean Krill

Karen Jean Krill, a vibrant soul whose life was a tapestry woven with love, creativity, and adventure, passed away at 88 on April 26, 2025, at Hopewest Hospice in Grand Junction, Colorado She was born Karen Jean Cline on April 16, 1937, in Powell, Wyoming, to Wilburn and Winifred Cline. She was as radiant as her striking mane of bright red hair, which mirrored the fiery spirit she carried within her.

In her young adult life, she graduated from UNC in Greely CO where she received her BS and teaching certificate and later went on to get her Masters in Education. Karen embarked on a transformative journey, living in Italy with her first husband. This chapter held immense significance for her, enriching her worldview and nurturing her deep appreciation for beauty in all its forms. Karen thrived on her passion for creativity, as seen in her extraordinary talent as a quilter. Beneath her skilled hands, fabric became art, and she brought warmth and comfort to many through her lovingly crafted quilts. An avid gardener, she cultivated an impressive yard that was a testament to her nurturing nature and her ability to create beauty wherever she planted her roots.

Karen's spirit of service shone brightly throughout her life. Caring for her health doing Reiki, yoga and nutrition and other types of healing. She was a proud lifelong member of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.), contributing to its mission of promoting educational opportunities for women, a pursuit close to her heart. Alongside her beloved husband, David Lee Krill, Karen found joy in their mutual involvement in Rendezvous and colonial reenactments across the united states, four wheeling and with the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS), where they celebrated their shared love for adventure and the camaraderie of community.

Her departure from this world came just two weeks after the passing of her devoted husband, leaving behind a legacy of love that will resonate within the hearts of all who knew her.

A memorial service to honor Karen's remarkable life along with her Husband's, will be held at Brown's Cremation and Funeral Service Chapel in Grand Junction, Colorado, on May 4, 2025, beginning at 3:00 PM. Friends and family are invited to gather to celebrate her life, reflect on the indelible impact she made, and remember the moments of joy that will forever live on in their memories.

As we bid farewell to Karen Jean Krill, let us carry forward her legacy of love, creativity, and her unwavering spirit, ensuring that her light continues to shine brightly in all our lives.

Karen is survived by: her sister Nancy Phillips (Cline), son Mark Steck, her daughter Julie Wheeler (Steck), and three grandchildren – Sydney McMillan (Wheeler), Noah Wheeler & Jackson Wheeler