Karen Whitlatch

Karen L. Whitlatch, 82, of Fombell passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at home surrounded by family. She was the daughter of the late Edgar and Harriet (Nye) Waterfield and she was born on April 8, 1943 in Ellwood City. She was a 1961 graduate of Lincoln High School. She met and married James “Jim” Whitlatch, the love of her life, on May 15, 1964. She spent her career at various restaurants as a waitress. She loved shopping, going out to eat, spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren and hanging out with her “Goose Girls”. Her and her husband had three daughters.

She is survived by her daughters: Barbara and her husband Todd Hessler of Ellwood City, Sandra Matiko and Anthony Conforti of Ellwood City, Diane Parish and Ken Grossen of East Palestine, Ohio; her grandchildren: Brandon (Jennifer) Whitlatch, Ryan (Giovanna Greco) Hessler, Justin Parish, Jordan (Caylee Cavanaugh) Matiko, Abbey (Jakob) Turley, Christian (Chelsea) Hessler, Courtney (Cody Kidd) Parish, Derrick Grossen; great-grandchildren: Jack, Layla and Paisley Parish, Chloe and Lorelei Whitlatch, Weston and Stetson Kidd, Maxton Keller, Elias Hessler, and her sister Elaine and her husband Bill Young of Ellwood City.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father-in-law William and Hilda Whitlatch, her sister and brother-in-law Kathy and Tom Ehret, and her son-in-law Mark Matiko.

At Karen’s request her services will be private.

Interment will be in Pinewood Memorial Park in Cranberry Twp.

The family wishes to thank Good Samaritan Hospice for their excellent Care and Compassion.

Arrangements entrusted to the Turner-Hyde Funeral Home located at 6th and Park in Ellwood City.