Age 54, passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2020, following a long illness. Karen was born in Kalamazoo, on June 5, 1965, the daughter of Matthew and Patricia (Myers) Hetrick Sr. She graduated from Western Michigan University, she enjoyed gardening, motorcycles, swimming and spending time with family. Karen touched many lives as a special education teacher for Comstock Public Schools at the Elementary Schools. Karen faced her disease head-on and with a positive spirit. She was grateful for the support and encouragement of friends and family. She had great faith and recognized that this was all a part of God’s plan. Karen is survived by her daughters, Elizabeth Steelman of Kalamazoo, Samantha (Matthew Kregling) Steelman of Kalamazoo; mother and step-father, Patricia (Leo) Moyer of Kalamazoo; father, Matthew Hetrick Sr. of Kalamazoo; former step-mother,  Yvette Arnold of Kalamazoo; siblings, Kathy (Marc) Steffy of Texas, Matthew Hetrick Jr. of Kalamazoo, Jason (Tricia) Hetrick of Kentwood, Daniel (Teryn) Hetrick of South Haven; step-siblings, Leo (Kelli Moyer  Jr. of Gobles, Raymond (Cathy) Moyer of Shelbyville, Teresa (Mike) Botma of Pierson and Angel Moyer of Kalamazoo; several nieces and nephews, aunt, uncles, cousins and countless friends. She was preceded in death by all four of her grandparents, several aunts and uncles and cousins.