Karen Sue Hildreth

Karen S. Hildreth (Hutzell), 89, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2025.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 5, 2025, at Memorial Services of Iowa, 4208 N. Ankeny Blvd., Ankeny, Iowa. A private family graveside service will be held the following day at Ankeny Memorial Gardens.

Karen was born on July 20, 1936, in Linden, Iowa, to Maurice and Kathryn Hutzell. Karen graduated from Valley High School. In her youth, she worked at the Westview Drive-In Theatre on HWY 6 in Urbandale, Iowa. Karen's friend, Shirley Nichols, introduced her to Raymond Hildreth, at a high school basketball game. Karen married the love of her life on August 21, 1955.

This transplanted "city" girl adapted to farm life by helping Raymond move their family to farmsteads in the Ankeny area and then finally settling in Alleman on March 1, 1968. While raising four children, she prided herself on keeping a tidy, structured, and loving home. Her cooking and baking skills were unmatched. Many meals were eaten in the fields during planting and harvest season. A delicious dessert graced the tables of church and school events. Karen loved to garden, and she had a natural "green" thumb. She helped to establish a children's Sunday school program at Salem United Church of Christ, and worked many of the church's harvest dinners. She immersed herself in helping with their children's 4-H and FFA projects such as baking, sewing, and grooming cattle for a show. In the spring and summer, walking beans was a family ritual. Afterwards, the family rewarded their hard work by enjoying a vacation in August before school started. At night, instead of watching t.v., she would write in her daily journal with diligence.

Karen's God-given purpose was always to put others first and keeping family a central focus. Many memories include holiday gatherings with family on the farm enjoying a home-cooked meal, love, and endless laughter. Summertime was spent packing a freezer full of fresh sweetcorn straight from the field with her mom, sister, sister-in-law, and daughters. She never missed an event her children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren participated in. She was proud of their talents in music and sports. Often, she kept score in a notepad at a baseball or softball game.

Karen is survived by her children, Tracey (Rosemary) Hildreth, Bryan Hildreth, Tammara (Mike) Torode, and Melissa (Kyle) Craighton; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sister, Linda Kay (Bob) Tucker; sisters-in-law, Linda Sharol Hutzell, Linda Marie Hutzell, and Marilyn (Brad) Gustafson; brother-in-law, Richard Hildreth; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In death, she rejoins her husband Raymond of 68 years; stillborn daughter, Kimberly; parents, Maurice and Kathryn Hutzell; and brothers, Conn and Ken Hutzell.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude and appreciation to the staff at Kennybrook Village in Grimes and Mercy Wound Care Center in downtown Des Moines, for their exceptional, professional care, and compassion for her.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Salem United Church of Christ in Alleman or the Kennybrook Village (long-term assisted care unit) in Grimes.