CHESTER, Vt. – Karen K. Neely, 85, passed away peacefully at Pine Heights in Brattleboro, Vt., on March 27, 2026.
Karen was born in Springfield, Vt., on Sept. 2, 1940, to William and Beverly (Huntoon) Keith. She was raised in Londonderry and attended Chester High School. As a young adult, she asked Jesus into her life, and her faith remained important and sustained her throughout.
On Oct. 6, 1956, Karen married Eugene “Sam” Hill, and together they began their married life in Chester, which would span 26 years. Karen and Sam became parents to four boys in seven years. They enjoyed snowmobiling and camping trips, and as a couple took a trip to Germany and France. It was a memorable family life full of raucous boy stories that live on decades later.
Following the untimely death of Sam in 1983, Karen met Matthew Neely. They were married for 27 years. Together they enjoyed motorcycling through New England, building two new homes over the years, the beach, and entertaining family and friends at their home.
Always very connected to her church family, Karen started a women’s bible study group in her home, which grew and still meets today at the Renewed Life in Jesus Church.
Karen’s work life included jobs at Readex, The Chester Drug Store, and The Vermont Country Store, where she also assisted founder Vrest Orton for a time. Karen also worked at The Old Tavern at Grafton, and as a private caregiver.
Karen is survived by her four sons, Andrew Hill (Mary), Keith Hill (Joyce), Timothy Hill (Stacey), and Jason Hill (Shayne); 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; her stepchildren, Sandy Boegly, Phyllis Saltmer, Scott Neely, and Polly Neely; five step-grandchildren; and sister Jeanie Petraska (Tom); as well as sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.
Karen was predeceased by her parents; husband Eugene Hill; husband Matthew Neely in 2011; her siblings William Keith II, Sally Pajala, and James Keith; niece Kolleen Keith; and nephew William J. Keith.
A celebration of Karen’s life will be held at on Saturday, May 16, at 11 a.m., at the Andover Community Church, 928 Weston-Andover Road, Andover, Vt.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Women of Revelation, c/o Renewed Life in Jesus Church, P.O. Box 352, Chester, VT 05143; or Valley Village Senior Living, 461 Grafton Road, Townshend, VT 05353.
Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield, Vt., is assisting with the arrangements.