Karen Ward (Lansing)

Karen Renee Ward transitioned to her heavenly home on Friday, September 15, 2017. She was the daughter of Edward E. Hardy, Sr. and Beulah Murray Hardy born on Saturday, December 2, 1961 in Battle Creek, Michigan.

Karen attended Saginaw Public Schools and spent most of her life in Saginaw as a wife, mother and homemaker. She was known for her love of cooking and good food. Karen enjoyed spending time with her relatives and close friends; she had a natural gift of nurturing and was known as the family caretaker. Every one of her nieces and nephews has a story of that time Auntie Karen took care of me. Karen could always be counted on for a good laugh and a funny story. She loved reading fiction, cartoons, growing houseplants, dressing up and soul music that some say she played too loud. Most of all she loved being "Franny" to her five grandchildren.

Karen leaves to celebrate her memory (husband), Ray Ward, Saginaw Michigan; children, Jocelyn Crockett, Lansing, Michigan, Bobby Wayne (Rebecca) Hardy, Sr., Albion Michigan and Jamerson Ward, Lansing, Michigan; five grandchildren, Bobby “BJ” Hardy, Jr. and Arianna “Lola” Hardy, Saginaw, Michigan; Anae' Gabrielle Gibson, Miriam Hardy and John Hardy, Albion, Michigan; four sisters, Edwina (Jim) Keyser, Battle Creek, Michigan, Avis Hardy, Lansing, Michigan, Elaine Hardy, East Lansing, Michigan, Leathia (Greg) Hardy-Williams, Camilla, Georgia and two brothers, Edward (Turkessa) Hardy, Saginaw, Michigan and Kyle Hardy, Grand Rapids, Michigan; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will remember her authenticity, laughter, grace and free spirit -- Rest well Sweet Sister.

Awaiting her in Heaven are parents, sister, Amanda Burns to whom Karen affectionately referred as 'ma'am'; nephews, Gabrielle Emmanuel Hodge and Doris (Tweet) Earl Lovett Hardy and her best friend, Virginia (Gin) Lowery.