Karen Kay (McKean) Rowland, 81, passed away on August 8, 2026. She was born April 29, 1945, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Joseph Dewey McKean and Mildred Kathleen Page McKean. Karen was the youngest of six children and was raised surrounded by family.

She attended Putnam City Schools and later attended cosmetology school, beginning a career as a hairstylist. Karen had a natural gift for making people feel cared for and beautiful, and she carried that same caring spirit into every part of her life.

Karen married Alton "Skip" Rowland, and together they shared 33 years of marriage. They raised their family in Oklahoma City before moving to Piedmont in 1978, where Karen made a home filled with love, laughter, and countless memories.

Above all else, Karen loved her family. Spending time with her grandchildren was one of the greatest joys of her life. She was the kind of person who was always taking care of someone—from her aging parents to her children and grandchildren. Her love was shown through the little things: being present, helping wherever she could, and making sure the people she loved were taken care of.

Karen enjoyed working in her flowerbeds, family trips to Colorado, car shows, and visiting friends. She loved her Corvette, Diet Pepsi, cinnamon suckers, and music. She had a fun-loving spirit and a way of making ordinary moments memorable. Her grandchildren even had their own special name, "Turkey Birds," and she treasured every moment with them.

Karen was known for her love, humor, generosity, and devotion to her family. One of her favorite sayings - and words her family will always remember her by - was: "Jesus loves you, and Granny does too!"

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Mildred McKean; her sisters, Marion Waterman and Barbara Crawford; her brother, Allen McKean; her son, Jay Rowland; and her former husband, Alton "Skip" Rowland.

She is survived by her siblings, Joseph Dewey McKean Jr. of Edmond and Len Arthur McKean of Oklahoma City; her children, Lance and Carol Rowland of Oklahoma City, Tiffany and Jim Millerborg of Piedmont, and Stephanie Rowland and Jere Claunch of Oklahoma City; her grandchildren, Zach Rowland of Elk City, Kylie and Jake Aelker of Raymore, Missouri, Josh and Ashley Rowland of Edmond, Radek and Sarah Rowland of Elk City, Page Helms of Oklahoma City, Brant and McKenna Millerborg of Mission, Kansas, Lex Rowland of Elk City, Ellie Millerborg of Piedmont, Hadley Rowland of Oklahoma City, and Will Mercer of Oklahoma City; and her great-grandchildren, Easton Rowland, Ella Rowland, Addison Rowland, Maverick Rowland, and Annie Mae Aelker, along with many other beloved family members and friends.

Karen leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue through the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren she adored. Her family will forever remember her for her caring heart, her sense of humor, her love of family, and the countless memories she created throughout her life.

Jesus loves you, and Granny does too!

A memorial service to celebrate Karen's life will be held at 10:00am on Monday, August 17 at Mercer-Adams Chapel.