Karen Marie Hites

Resided in Gladstone, MI
Died March 4, 2018

Karen Marie Hites, age 74, of Gladstone passed away on Sunday, March 4, 2018 at the Pinecrest Medical Care facility in Powers.

Karen was born April 16, 1943 in Escanaba, the daughter of Vernon and Margaret (Weingartner) Long. She graduated from Holy Name Catholic High School in 1961 and was a member of All Saints Catholic Church in Gladstone. She was united in marriage to Robert Hites on May 23, 1992.

Karen was a popular beautician for Ed Hurley for several years before running her own shop. She worked and co-owned Longtine’s Grocery in Wells and also worked for JC Penney and Dow Chemical Credit Union. She enjoyed spending time with her family, traveling, cross country skiing, bowling, playing pool, fishing, hunting and the outdoors. She was well known in horse endurance races. She qualified three times for the Tevis Cup 100 mile race in California. She was the first person from the Upper Peninsula to compete at Tevis.

Karen is survived by her husband, Bob; children, Kelly (Melissa) Longtine, Craig (Tracy) Longtine, James Hites, Gerald (Tracey) Hites and Jennifer (Chris) Sheppard; grandchildren, Troy (Kaitlyn) Kassion, Tara Kaisson, Paige Longtine; sister, Patti (Bob) Hengesh.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

The family will receive friends on Monday, March 26 from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Mass of Christian Burial will be 3:00 PM at All Saints Catholic Church with Fr. Brian Gerber officiating. A luncheon will follow in the parish hall. Karen will be laid to rest in the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone.

12 Tributes for “Karen Marie Hites”

    So sorry for your LOSS. KAREN was an amazing woman and an inspiration to me and everyone that knew her.

    Karen was one of the kindest persons I ever knew, she was also one of the best endurance riders ever to ride a horse 100 miles in a day, she competed all over the United States, including doing the 100 mile tevis cup in the Sierra nevadas in California 3 times. She had a gentle demeanor and never said a negative word about anyone.❤️❤️ I will miss her forever.

    So sorry for Karen’s family. We were friends when we were kids, and I have a lot of fun memories. You are all in our prayers…

    We will miss our cousin Karen very much we group up with her since we were little. her mother was our mother sister so we were together a lot. prayers going out to her family. love Barb Vanderlinden and Connie Amond.

    Patti: I’m so very sorry to hear of your sister’s passing. I remember her from long ago at Northland. She was such a nice woman. You have my deepest condolences. RIP Karen.

    Karen was a great friend with a gentle heart. One of the kindest people I met. You will be missed my friend by everyone who knew you. Prayers for the family.

    When I was a child, Karen and Bill moved in right across the street from us. I think I was 8 years old. She being a horse lover first attracted my sister Sandi, who babysat for them and then rode horses with Karen. Karen had a horse named “Star” who she kept in their garage for a few days before finding him a boarding place! Lol. Sandi and Karen became great buds. Karen, being kind hearted, eventually gave Star to Sandi. Karen got a part Arabian colt named “Riff Raff” who Sandi helped saddle break. When I was in 6th grade, Sandi gave Star to me! About the same time, I became the Longtine babysitter. Karen and I became very close friends, we spent many many hours together hanging out, riding horses, and traveling to her early years of competitive and endurance rides. In the early 80’s, Karen had back surgery, so I helped condition Riff Raff for the competitions I even rode some of the competitors in Karen’s place. I recall her telling me that the Doctor told her she would NEVER ride horses again. It was devastating news. One day, several weeks after her back surgery, she called me and asked that I bring her to the barn. So I took her. Once we got there she brushed Riff and then asked me to put the saddle on him. With hesitation, I did. Then she asked me to help her on his back. I hesitated and tried to talk her out of it, was reluctant to follow her request, but…I did. The rest is history. Karen, did astonishing things! She was a determined lady and a go getter. She followed her dreams. Karen taught me so much, and needless to say was an enormous influence in my life. She was a best friend, a life mentor. Karen taught me how to fly fish, (per her own fathers techniques), how to leak and morel mushroom hunt, on top of general life lessons. We learned, laughed, cried together. And even though we had fallen out of touch, a bit, once I moved away, I believe our friendship had never changed. I can’t put into words how sad I am that is now gone. I will cry often, as I think of her. She really was a saint and I’m certain it will be her that we feel in our presence on any beautiful day. God Love you Karen. You shall never be forgotten. You still ARE my best friend.

    Thank you all for your kind words about Karen. We had so many laughs and quiet times together. She was such a humble and sweet person. She had a horrible disease that was a nightmare her last months, but she is now at peace. We will all miss her but smile when we think of her. Her sister Patti

    My Sweet mother-in-law…
    Thinking of You today – on your Birthday.
    Kelly and I miss you very much!
    We know we will see you again, but it’s hard not to have you here with us.
    Happy Birthday in Heaven.

    Five years ago today you left us…Way too soon!… You were a very sweet lady, and the Best mother-in-law… We all Miss you very much. Love you always.

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