Karen Marie Hites

Karen was born April 16, 1943, in Escanaba, the daughter of Vernon and Margaret (Weingartner) Long. She graduated from Holy Name Catholic High School in 1961 and was a member of All Saints Catholic Church in Gladstone. She was united in marriage to Robert Hites on May 23, 1992.

Karen was a popular beautician for Ed Hurley for several years before running her own shop. She worked and co-owned Longtine’s Grocery in Wells and also worked for JC Penney and Dow Chemical Credit Union. She enjoyed spending time with her family, traveling, cross country skiing, bowling, playing pool, fishing, hunting and the outdoors. She was well known in horse endurance races. She qualified three times for the Tevis Cup 100 mile race in California. She was the first person from the Upper Peninsula to compete at Tevis.

Karen is survived by her husband, Bob; children, Kelly (Melissa) Longtine, Craig (Tracy) Longtine, James Hites, Gerald (Tracey) Hites and Jennifer (Chris) Sheppard; grandchildren, Troy (Kaitlyn) Kassion, Tara Kaisson, Paige Longtine; sister, Patti (Bob) Hengesh.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

The family will receive friends on Monday, March 26, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Mass of Christian Burial will be 3 p.m. at All Saints Catholic Church with Fr. Brian Gerber officiating.

A luncheon will follow in the parish hall. Karen will be laid to rest in the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone.

For additional information or to leave the family a message of condolence, go to http://www.skradskifuneralhomes.com.