Karen Sue Ardis

Karen Sue Ardis of Orange, California, passed away on October 12, 2026, at age 73 from metastatic breast cancer. Born in Bethesda, Maryland to Frank and Fran Torres, Karen grew up in a military family and, by age 18, had attended 17 schools and lived in 23 homes across the country. She raised her two children and stepdaughter before becoming a grandmother - her most cherished role. In 2003, Karen married the love of her life, Wayne, and they shared many happy years together.

Karen spent several years as a Customer Service Manager in the building industry, where she used her gift for listening and helping others. Later, she pursued several independent business ventures, including a successful career as a Cookie Lee Jewelry consultant. She earned top sales awards and collected more friends and jewelry than anyone could count. In retirement, she devoted herself to being a full-time grandmother and volunteered as a hospital NICU “baby cuddler.”

Karen embraced life with unmatched enthusiasm. Whether celebrating holidays at home with family, watching a beach sunset with her husband, or enjoying live music with friends, she savored every moment.

Karen is survived by her loving family: her husband, Wayne; sister, Kris; brother, Steve; son, Brandon; daughter, Bonnie; stepdaughter, Niki; and six grandchildren - Skyler, Jackson, Finnley, Harper, Jonah, and Hunter. She was preceded in death by her brother, Craig, and her parents, Frank and Fran Torres.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ardis Foundation, a nonprofit that provides scholarships to college-bound high school seniors who are deaf or hard of hearing, or to the Susan G. Komen Foundation in support of breast cancer research and advocacy.

A Celebration of Life will be held near Karen’s birthday in January 2027.