Karen Guin Ritenour

Karen Guin Ritenour of Sylva, NC, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born to the late Patty Smith Petigo and Gary Slick Guin on October 22, 1975.

She is survived by her loving husband, Andy Ritenour; her daughter, Mackenzie Carnathan of Asheville, NC; and her daddy, Dewey Petigo of Columbus, MS.

Karen is also survived by her brother, Rodney Guin of Mantachie, MS; and three sisters, Jan (Joe) Starling of Guntown, MS, Misty (David) Blair of Mantachie, MS, and Jennifer Guin of Fulton, MS. She was also blessed with her parents-in-law, Cathy and Bruce Gregor of Williamsburg, VA, and Donald and Kimberly Ritenour of Whitestone, VA.

She leaves behind her sisters-in-law, Meredith (Brian) Williams of Richmond, VA and Lindsey (Gabe) Rodriguez of Mechanicsville, VA; brothers-in-law, Chris (Aubrey) Ritenour of Whitestone, VA and Alex (Kyndall) Ritenour of Sandston, VA; along with 14 nieces and nephews, 3 great-nieces, and 2 great-nephews who adored her.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, and her nephew, Jackson Starling.

Karen dedicated her career to serving others as a pharmacy technician, where her kindness and compassion touched many lives. She found joy in life’s simple treasures- most days she could be found sitting by her window in one of her beloved Snoopy shirts, happily watching the birds and critters outside. She also loved tending her flowers and celebrating each new bloom, and she cherished every moment spent with family. Her beloved furry friends were more like children to her and brought endless happiness. Karen had a passion for football and could always be found cheering on her Alabama Crimson Tide (Roll Tide!).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Memory of Karen Ritenour to the Kernersville Medical Center Evans Hopkins Breast Cancer Fund at the Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center Foundation: 1701 South Hawthorne Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27103 or www.supportnovanthealth.org