Karen Lee Denton

Karen Lee Denton, 64, of Rancho Cucamonga, California, passed away unexpectedly on August 25, 2026. 

Born July 21, 1962, in Loma Linda to Diana Cooper, Karen was raised and loved by her dad, James Earl Long. She graduated from high school in 1979 and became a dietician at Loma Linda University Medical Center. 

A fiercely dedicated single mother, Karen worked tirelessly to ensure her daughter, Lauren, had the best life possible. She worked at K-Mart in Redlands from 1983 until 2000, and in 2002 began a long and proud career with the San Bernardino County Superior Court, where she served faithfully until her retirement in 2025.

In 2006, Karen met the love of her life, Tommy Denton. They were married in 2008, blending their families with love. Karen welcomed Tommy's daughter, Desiree, into her heart and loved her as her own. In 2006, Karen had the delight of playing matchmaker, introducing Lauren to her husband, Steven - watching them wed in 2008. 

Above all else, Karen's family was her world. She was a devoted grandmother who cherished her three granddaughters and took every opportunity to brag about them to anyone who would listen. She loved camping, reading, watching Yellowstone, and spending quality time with the people she loved most. 

Karen is survived by her loving husband, Tommy; her daughters, Lauren (Steven) and Desiree; her cherished grandchildren, Alyssa, Isabella, and Makayla; and her siblings, Cathy and Michael. She was preceded in death by her dad, James Earl Long, and her mother, Diana Cooper.