Loving wife, mother, and grandmother, Karyn R. Kitley, 64, of Collinsville, IL, passed away on March 6, 2022, after a battle with ovarian cancer.
Karyn was born on November 22, 1957, to Delores J. Hershman (nee Old) and Ramon L. Hershman in Columbia, MO.
She studied at Blackburn College, where she met the love of her life, Bryan S. Kitley. Karyn later went on to earn a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Southern Illinois University in 1994.
Bryan and Karyn wed in 1976 and later had two sons, David and Daniel. Together Bryan and Karyn were doting, active grandparents to three grandchildren, Nolan, Victoria, and Rayden.
Karyn worked as a Speech-Language Therapist for 21 years in schools in Missouri and Illinois. After retiring in 2016, she spent her time quilting, traveling, volunteering, and exploring restaurants with her husband and friends. She was passionate about her grandkids and spending time with family.
Karyn was preceded in death by her mother, Delores J. Hershman (Old); stepmother, Dorothy E. Simms; brother, Edward A. Hershman; and father-in-law, Charles R. Kitley.
She is survived by her husband, Bryan S. Kitley; son, David (Mary) Kitley and grandson, Nolan Kitley; son Daniel (Ciara) Kitley and grandchildren, Victoria and Rayden Kitley. Also survived by her father, Ramon L. Hershman; sister, Laura J. Hershey; and mother-in-law, Dorothy M. Kitley.
In her final days, Karyn had a grateful heart. Her message to others: “Connect NOW with those you love.”
Memorial visitation will be 9 a.m. to 12 noon on Friday, March 11, 2022, at Barry Wilson Funeral Home in Maryville, IL.
Memorial service will immediately follow at 12 noon.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Missouri Botanical Gardens or the Collinsville Food Pantry and will be received at the visitation or can be mailed to the funeral home at 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at barrywilsonfuneralhome.com
