Karen Elaine Wilson Grills, 70, of Verda departed this life on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the Harlan Health and Rehab Center following a brief illness.  Born June 9, 1955, she was a lifelong resident of Harlan County.  A graduate of Evarts High School, Karen was a former computer programmer and a legal secretary.  She was a member of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

Karen is preceded in death by her adoptive grandparents that raised her, Mildred F. Turpin Wilson and Richard L. Wilson; and her biological parents, Dorothy Wilson Fultz and Brian Fultz.

Survivors include her husband of 33 years, William R. "Rex" Grills, Verda; two brothers, Gordon Fultz and wife, Melody, Harlan; and Randy Fultz of South Carolina; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Visitation for Karen will be held on Monday from 5 until 8 pm at the Evarts Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 11 am in the Chapel of the Evarts Funeral Home with the Reverend Jerry Kirby officiating.

Burial will follow in the Evarts Memorial Gardens with her family and friends serving as pallbearers.

Evarts Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Karen E. Grills.