Karen Luella Hilburn

Karen Hilburn, wife, mother and grandmother, passed away at home on April 10th, 2025 with her loving husband by her side in Independence, MO.

Karen Luella Broaddus was born on August 3, 1950 in Maywood, CA and brought home by her adoring adoptive parents, Sylvester and Clara Broaddus. She was a graduate of Blue Springs High School and attended Central Missouri State College.

On May 10, 1969, Karen married her high school sweetheart, Ronald W. Hilburn, Sr. in Independence, MO and they spent 55 beautiful years side by side. She dedicated her life to her family, making sure they were supported in whatever they did and never felt anything other than loved.

Karen enjoyed traveling, whether it was a road trip with the family or a ride on the motorcycle with Ron. She captured many special moments through the lens of her camera, preserving lasting memories for her family. She was talented at crocheting and sewing, making sure her kids were dressed in the most fashionable home-sewn 70’s clothing you’ve ever seen.

Above all she treasured her time with her children and grandchildren, attending all their activities and being their greatest cheerleader. She could be found on the sideline, cheering loudly and letting the refs know exactly every call they got wrong.

She shared a decades-long friendship with her best friend Ann, whose adventures together could fill a book.

Those left to honor her memory include her loving husband, Ronald; son R. Wayne (Angel) Hilburn, Jr., daughters Kristina (Shawn) Docherty and Sheila (Scott) Harris; grandchildren Dalton Hilburn, Garrett Hilburn, Camden Docherty, Kai Docherty, Ryan Harris, Cade Harris and Ella Harris along with four great-grandchildren.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Sylvester and Clara; step-father, Delbert Whaley; sister, Diana Harms, and in-laws.

A celebration of Karen’s life will be held on a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you share your favorite story of her, hug your people a little tighter, and maybe enjoy a slice of lemon meringue pie—just like she would have.