Karen Rae Hightower, 66 passed away peacefully on Monday, February 14, 2022. She was along side her daughter and husband of 44 years.

Karen was born May 27, 1955, in Walla Walla, Washington. She moved to Kennewick as a teenager and met the love of her life Johnny Hightower, in the summer of 1970. They married in 1977. In 1979 their first child Donald was welcomed into the world. In 1981 they were blessed with their second son Dale and in 1983 their youngest child Jackie was born completing their family.

Karen was a devoted wife and mother, she also spent over 35 years as a Special Education Bus Attendant for Kennewick School District. Nobody worked harder, nobody shared more or cared more. She always had that thing you forgot, like she knew you were going to forget it. If she didn't have it, she would be knocking on the neighbors' doors or off to the store to get it for you.

In 2001 Karen stepped into her greatest role as Grandma. She was blessed with 6 beautiful grandchildren. She had an endless amount of energy for the grandkids. She never missed a game or sat out a single play. Her favorite place to be was with her grandchildren, whether it was camping, fishing, back to school shopping or an epic sleepover at Grandma and Papa's house.

In 2019 Karen retired from Kennewick School District and her and Johnny enjoyed many adventures. Most recently they had purchased a second home in Yuma, Arizona and were blessed to be surrounded by many friends and family there.

Karen was survived by her loving husband of 44 years Johnny, Children Donald Hightower (Jennifer), Dale Hightower, and Jackie Gerg (Justin); Grandchildren Gillian, Jaydon, Kayli, Jackson, Brooklyn, and Blakely; Mother, Donna Carlson: Siblings Kevin Schick, Keith Schick, Debbi Nipper, Robert Carlson; As well as a large extended family.

Karen's Celebration of Life with be held Friday, March 18th, 2022, at 11:00 am at The Living Room Church. Reception to immediately follow at The Edge at Zintel Creek

We will all have to work a little bit harder and love each other a little bit more in her absence.