Karen Ann Kilborn Hay

Karen Ann Kilborn Hay

SALISBURY - Karen Ann Kilborn Hay passed away on Monday, Oct. 28, 2013, at Kiser Hospice House in Salisbury.

Karen was born July 7, 1944 in Watertown, N.Y., the daughter of Kenneth and Mable Loucks Kilborn, who preceded her in death. She grew up in Lowville, N.Y. and Scottsdale, Ariz. She attended Arizona State University, worked for Sentry Insurance Company as a claims manager and human resource manager, and retired from Sprint in Phoenix, Ariz. after 13 years as a call center manager.

Karen was an avid horsewoman who raised and showed horses most of her life. In Arizona, she volunteered with "Horses Help!" an organization providing equine therapy for special needs children. She was an equine massage therapist and an equine drug tester. She competed in the NC State Fair Hackney Pony Pleasure Driving show with her pony and volunteered with the Pony Club in Salisbury. Karen was a member of Therapy Dogs International with her dog, Peggy Grace. For the past several years they were hospice volunteers, visiting nursing homes throughout the city. Karen was a vestry member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Salisbury and a charter member of Daughters of the King at St. Paul's. She was active in the Chestnut Hill Historic Association.

Karen is survived by cousins, Bill Frank, Ron Frank and Tim Frank of California, Barb (Anthony) Fiaschetti of Salisbury, Mary (George) Kushner of Virginia, Kip Martin of New Hampshire and their families; friend Tina Knudsen of Arizona; friends, Tracy, Jody and Kara Crotts, Rev. Rick and Judith Williams, Linda Sufficoal; and many other friends in Salisbury and in Arizona.

Karen was particularly grateful to the St. Paul's Daughters of the King, who cared for her lovingly throughout her illness.

Service: 12 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1, 2013 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, conducted by Fr. Richard A. Williams, Vicar and Rev. Jane Holmes, Deacon. A reception will follow the service in the fellowship hall.

Memorials:In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul's Episcopal Church Daughters of the King, Ruth Chapter, 930 S. Main St., Salisbury, NC 28144; the Humane Society of Rowan County, PO Box 295, Salisbury, NC 28145; or American Cancer Society, Rowan County, c/o Frances Morris, 1103 Burkesway Drive, Salisbury, NC 28146.

Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Hay family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.