Karen Carpenter-Hill Obituary

Carpenter-Hill
Karen Ann
Carpenter-Hill
September 3, 1952
May 22, 2025

Karen Ann Carpenter-Hill, 72, of Colorado Springs passed away on May 22 at her home, surrounded by the love of her family. Karen was born on September 3, 1952 in Colorado Springs to Helen Frances (Carman) and Robert Eugene Carpenter. As a child, she loved to play with dolls and adored her sisters and her parents. Karen was especially bonded to her Grandmother, Masel Carman, who lived with them when Karen was young and her Great-Grandmother Adra Baker who visited for long periods of time. She studied music at an early age as her mother realized her musical gifts. Karen's musical talents blossomed further as she grew. Karen studied piano and organ throughout her life, studying organ under Lee White Penkhus in her teenage years. In high school, she played the oboe and drums as well. Karen graduated from Cheyenne Mountain High School in 1970 and from the University of Northern Colorado in 1974. For her graduation recital, she played Toccata from Widor's Fifth Organ Symphony, a piece that demands precision, technical aptitude and endurance. Karen did her student teaching with Joann Baird, the President of the Colorado Music Educators Association. Through Joann's guidance, Karen developed a love for student teachers and mentored many throughout her career. She stayed in touch with her student teachers throughout her lifetime. Karen first taught in the Broomfield schools, then Black Forest, Boulder and Colorado Springs. She was well known as a talented musician and a thoughtful, patient educator.
Karen first married in 1978 and her daughter Melissa was born in 1980. Karen was a resilient and loving single mother from 1981 until her marriage to Billy Ray Hill on August 1,1986 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. When she married Billy she gained two daughters, Kathy and Amy. Billy and Karen lived in Waco, Texas until 1994 when they returned to Colorado Springs. Karen and Bill taught Sunday School in their church in Waco for several years. She taught elementary music in public schools in Colorado and Texas for over twenty years, giving of her time and efforts to her students as she believed strongly in the importance of music education at a young age. After returning to Colorado Springs, she built a piano studio in her home and began teaching for another twenty years. Karen developed a reputation for her commitment to her students and investment in their musical journey. She would go to great lengths to find just the right arrangements for any age, cultivating the love of music in each of them. She believed that music was one of life's greatest gifts, providing endless joy and comfort.
Between her students and her family, Karen's life was full of love. Karen was a wonderful wife, devoted mother and grandmother who loved gathering family together to celebrate life's milestones. She was always planning recitals, birthday parties, holidays and celebrations to bring her students and family together, paying attention to the smallest of details. Karen loved to cook and play games with Billy and their family. She made homemade ice cream, homemade bread, and waffles that would melt in your mouth, and she always had chocolate chips to go in the waffle squares. Her family and friends will miss her greatly.
Karen was well known by all for her strong faith, her encouraging nature and endless positivity. Karen is survived by her husband, Billy Ray Hill; her daughters Melissa Gugelman (Chris), Kathy Gilbert, and Amy Fauss (Ronnie); her sisters, Carol Curtis (Phil) and Kathy Mikita; and eight grandchildren, Matthew Gilbert (25) (Shannon) , Anna Gilbert (20), Phoebe Fauss (20), Marian Fauss (18), Elliot Fauss (14), Samantha Gugelman (10), Mason Gugelman (8) and Max Gugelman (4). Karen joins her parents, Bob and Helen Carpenter, in Heaven. Karen's celebration of life will be at La Foret in the Black Forest on August 24, 2025, at 3:00 p.m, fellowship to follow. Above all, Karen wanted us to love one another and believed that God is love. She believed that with love and kindness, the world would be a better place. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Amyloidosis Foundation to fund further research and treatment for Amyloidosis patients. Donations may also be made to Compassion International.