Karen Shultz Pettit

Karen Shultz Pettit, of Fairview, NC, passed away on July 25, 2024, at CarePartners Solace Center. Karen was born in Hamlet, IN, to Carl Gordon and June Potter Shultz, in 1935. Her family moved to Asheville when she was twelve years old.
It was in Asheville where Karen met the love of her life, E.M. Pettit. They married and had four children: Diane Merrell (Johnny), Sharon Pettit (deceased). Jeanette Gianinetti (Steve), and Gene Pettit (Cheryl). Through a dedicated life of service, God gave E.M. and Karen six grandchildren; Kimberly Merrell Rudder (Bobby), Sean Merrell (Casey), Greg Sams (Becky), Reid Sams (Fionna), Grant Pettit (Sara), and Clay Pettit (Thais); and great-grandchildren, Faith Rudder, Jackson Merrell, Damon Sams, Rothy Sams, Slade Sams, Silas Sams, Jay Pettit, Nathan Pettit, Miles Pettit, Amelia Pettit, Elyse Pettit, and Isabel Pettit.
Karen was a home keeper, a farmer's wife, a pastor's wife, and an organist for the churches that E.M. pastored for years.
With a unique personality, people could get to know her kindness and generosity. In her later years, she became more outgoing and involved with her church and church projects.
Karen devotedly worked with E.M. on his projects. When the family had milk cows, mom learned how to pasteurize the milk, and make butter and cottage cheese. In later years, Dad built spec homes, and mom helped with painting, selecting home plans, and tracking project costs.
Karen enjoyed working with numbers the most. She shared this skill by keeping the books for her church.
After E.M. passed away, Karen would often get a biscuit and coffee on Sunday mornings and have breakfast with her sweetheart, E.M. at the cemetery. They loved each other deeply and she missed him.
Karen would spend her time baking amazing cakes. She took pride when one of her grandchildren would ask her to bake a cake for them.
Mom's beautiful blue eyes set off her outward beauty, and her deep care and concern for others reflected her inner beauty.
Karen's family is so grateful for the wonderful staff, doctors and support individuals that assisted mom on her journey to Heaven. A special thanks to Kyle Gillett and Dr. David Arpin for their expressions of kindness and concern.
The family will have a celebration of life for close friends and family later this year.
Mother loved the work of St. Judes Children Hospital. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to St. Judes. If you prefer, you can donate to the Gashes Creek Cemetery Fund at P.O. Box 9401, Asheville, NC 28815.