Karen Annette Ellis, a loving wife, devoted mother, and cherished friend, passed peacefully at her home with family by her side on August 23, 2025, at the age of 79.

Karen was born on St. Patrick's Day, 1946, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Leslie Earl and Lillian Annette Gray, the fifth of seven children. She attended York Elementary and O.E. Bell Junior High before proudly graduating from Idaho Falls High School in 1964. Her childhood was filled with family outings, helping with chores around the house and farm, and spending time with lifelong friends.

Following high school, Karen married A. Bradley Storer and began her family with Wendy, Richard, Kent, Chad, and Micheal. They later divorced. Karen made Ammon, Idaho, her home for 58 years, where she built not only a family but also a legacy of friendship and service.

In 1981, Karen married the love of her life, D. Ray Ellis. Shortly after, their son Matt was born, completing the family. Together, Karen and Ray built a strong, enduring love grounded in faith, commitment, and mutual devotion—an example of lasting partnership for their children and grandchildren.

A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Karen served in Relief Society, Young Women's, Primary, and missionary work. Even as her health declined, her compassion, quick wit, and radiant smile continued to touch the lives of those around her. Whether sharing a laugh, lending a helping hand in continuing service, or offering quiet comfort in times of need, she lived her life with faithfulness and warmth.

Karen had a deep passion for education, always encouraging her family to learn and grow. Those who knew her will forever remember her outgoing personality, her adventurous spirit on spontaneous road trips, her ability to turn ordinary days into joyful celebrations, and her fierce loyalty and belief in the goodness of people.

Having raised five boys (1 daughter), Karen spent countless hours at football, baseball, and softball games and a few wrestling matches. She jokingly became known as the queen of removing grass and dirt stains. She was never just a spectator—her home was often the neighborhood gathering place for Sunday afternoon baseball games. In later years, she delighted in cheering on her grandsons, traveling from Idaho Falls to Boise to support them.

In her professional career, Karen worked for various companies, but her greatest joy came as the Executive Officer for the Eastern Idaho Home Builders Association. She loved working alongside builders to grow the association, and each year she looked forward to the Annual Parade of Homes retiring in 2009. Her enthusiasm and dedication forged lasting friendships she treasured deeply.

Karen enjoyed golf, creating lasting memories during weekly outings with her friends, children, and grandchildren. Though not known for her long game—drives were short but straight—she excelled in her short game and had a remarkable talent for sinking putts. Beyond the golf course, Karen found joy in sewing, with her sewing room serving as her sanctuary. She poured love into every quilt she made, delighting in gifting them to family and friends as lasting treasures stitched with love and care.

Above all, Karen cherished her family. She is survived by her husband, D. Ray Ellis; her children, Wendy (Corey) Landon of Idaho Falls, Kent (Rainey) Storer of Boise, Micheal (Marissa) Storer of Idaho Falls, and Matthew Ellis of Idaho Falls; her sisters, Evelen "Blonde" Travis of Las Vegas, NV, and Patt (Val) Cooper of Idaho Falls; along with 16 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her sons, Richard Storer and Chad Storer; her parents, Leslie and Lillian Gray; her sisters, Darlene Gray and Collen Smith; her brothers, Jerry Gray and John Gray; and her great-grandson, Rook Jax Landon.

Karen will be remembered for her faith, devotion to family, adventurous spirit, generous heart, and unwavering love. Though our hearts ache, we take comfort in knowing she leaves behind not only a legacy of love, faith, and service but also a reminder to live each day with kindness, laughter, and courage.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Alliance Home Health and Hospice for their compassionate care of our mother and the support they provided for us during this time.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Ammon 3rd Ward, 2150 Avocet Drive, Ammon, Idaho. The family will receive friends and family on Friday, August 29, 2025, from 6:00-8:00 p.m., at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls, and from 9:30-10:45 a.m., prior to the services at the church. Interment will be in the Ammon Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com .

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