Karen Louise Morley

04/25/1953 – 12/13/2023 

Karen Louise Morley, of Santa Barbara, went to be with the Lord on Dec. 13, 2023, peacefully surrounded by family in the comfort and light of her home. Born in San Diego, Calif., on April 25, 1953, she was the youngest of three children of Clifford and Clara Strom. A proud Swede by heritage, it was a tender coincidence that Karen passed on the Swedish holiday of St. Lucia!

Karen graduated from Westmont College and, together with her first husband Jonathan Hess, raised her three children in Santa Barbara. To quote a friend, Karen knew “how to make a house a home, full of love, comfort, safety, and beauty,” and she was renowned for her cooking skills! She brought her poise, energy, and personal touch to all of her roles, including her ownership of a Jazzercise franchise in the 1980s, and admissions and recruiting positions in higher education. Karen’s humble perseverance, and her commitment to service and integrity, flowed from her deep faith in Jesus Christ. 

Karen wed Dave Morley in a beautiful ceremony on the island of Maui on Jan. 6, 2011. Karen and Dave loved and cared excellently for one another and for others. She is survived by her husband, Dave Morley; her sister, Marty, and her family; her son, Trevor Hess, and his wife and children; her son, Landon Hess; her daughter, Kiersten Arnaudin, and her husband; and Dave’s three children, 11 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren! 

A celebration of Karen’s life and legacy will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, at First Presbyterian Church at 21 E Constance Ave. in Santa Barbara. A reception will immediately follow.