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Karen L. Thrilkill 1949-2023

Karen L. Thrilkill passed away at home on Friday, Feb 10, 2023 at the age of seventy three in Willits, CA. She was born in Santa Rosa, CA to RJ and Portia Banthrall July 1949 and her family moved to Willits in the early 1950’s due to her father’s work for the railroad. Karen graduated from Willits High School in 1967 and attended Santa Rosa Junior College before marrying the love of her life Robert (Bob) Thrilkill in September 1968. Married for forty-four years until Bob’s passing in 2013. She was also preceded in death by her parents, sister Kathy Smith, parents-in-law Robby and Bess Thrilkill, sister-in-law Judy Valloni and nephew Kennith Valloni. Karen is missed by her daughter Christine, son Michael; grandchildren Rishara (Clay Christman), Mikayla, Kyle and Ayden; greatgrandchildren Karyn and Corbin. Sisters Shirley Southwell (Richard), Linda Moniz,and Charlotte Briseno In-laws Ed Smith, Joe Valloni, Skip and Ester Walker. Nieces and nephew Debra, Dorothy, Jackie, Bobbi, Vicki, Traysa, Sherry, Scott, Kimberly, Jerri and Dominic, their spouses, and children.

In high school Karen and sister Shirley worked for Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery at the Jolly Cone and again later in the 1970’s. She worked as the night janitor at the high school; at Howard Memorial Hospital she started as a registration clerk and ended as the supervisor for the billing and registration departments, helping to successfully transition to be part of the Adventist Health System; then as office manager for Doctors Torrella and Williams. In 1994 and for five years she and Bob ran the Brooktrails Store and along with Judy and Mike shared many family recipes with their neighbors. Later Karen worked for the County of Mendocino, Social Services Dept. starting as a Staff Assistant III, then as BI Supervisor where she oversaw the final issuance of stamps for the Food Stamp program and finally as a Program Specialist for Caljobs Services, she retired in 2013. During her retirement she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and later greatgrandchildren. She had a lifetime love of reading (especially romance novels), sewing, even working as a “piece maker” making Holly Hobby dolls for a local seller in the 1970’s. Over the years she and Bob were involved in and members of the Willits 4 Wheel Drive Club, and the Humboldt Dune

Buggy Club. Frequently camping, boating and fishing with friends and family. She was loved by and will be missed by many. The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr John Glyer and all of the staff at Redwood Medical Clinic for their years of care, and Hospice of Ukiah, especially Ann for sitting with them all day, and your support at the end. There is no service planned at this time.