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Karen E. (Key) Rice © Stephens-Key Funeral & Cremation Care Submitted by: Sharon
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Karen E. (Key) Rice
October 31, 1955 - August 8, 2025
Karen Elaine Key was born on October 31, 1955, in Pryor, Oklahoma to Mayes and Wanda Key. She was raised in Locust Grove as a woman of creativity, faith and love. She passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 8, 2025, at the age of 69. Karen was a lifelong lover of family, art, gardening, hosting celebrations for all to enjoy but, above all, she loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and her church. She leaves behind a legacy of incredible joy and cherished memories.
As a child, Karen was recognized for her creative spirit and deep curiosity about the world. She was a proud sister to her four siblings, each of whom loved her deeply. She was a proud graduate of Locust Grove High School, Class of 1973, where she was known for her passion and talent on the basketball court.
Continuing her education, she earned her Associates Degree in Business from Rogers State College in 1989 and later studied at Northeastern State University graduating in 1991 with a Bachelors of Science in Allied Health Services emphasis in Gerontology.
Karen eagerly began her career with Oklahoma State Department of Health as Health Facility Surveyor. Shortly thereafter, she became a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator overseeing and managing the operations of multiple nursing home locations.
As her experience and education progressed, Karen returned to Oklahoma State Department of Health earning a coveted position of Long-Term Care Surveyor. She continued forward and went on to achieve and retire with the title of Long-Term Care Protective Health Services Special Investigator.
Throughout her professional career, Karen was continuously recognized and awarded numerous accolades, some of which included:
Outstanding Young Women of America, Oklahoma State Surveyor of the Year 2009, Awarded Basic and Advanced Certifications from the Council on Licensure, Enforcement and Regulation, Karen received the status of Certified Eden Alternative Associate, along with, recognition for her efforts and contributions to protect and promote health, while meeting Inspection Frequency Mandates from the State of Oklahoma.
Karen was also a Charter Member of the Pryor Areas Arts and Humanities Council.
Karen retired early and faithfully focused her collective long-term care experience and expertise in caring for her mother and father throughout their final years.
Karen was proud of her professional accomplishments, but it was her family that brought her the most pride and joy. The love shared between Karen, Marsha, Andrea and their mother Wanda was displayed through their daily talks on the phone and frequent trips jet setting across the globe from Italy to Ireland to Hawaii to Colorado and beyond. By all accounts, these four were truly best friends. Even when they couldn't be together, they still found ways to communicate and talk with one another. Sometimes even dropping a postcard or hand written note in the mail, just to say "I'm thinking of you and I love you".
She lived her life with intentional kindness and open arms, always ensuring that everyone felt welcome, invited, and well-fed. Whether it was Halloween, Christmas, or just an ordinary Tuesday, Karen found any excuse to gather her loved ones and make them feel special. She especially loved hosting Halloween and Christmas Eve, turning every event into something magically inspired by her active imagination and creative spirit.
Her home was the heart of countless holidays, birthdays, and family traditions that were made special by her presence. Her art room, greenhouse, and beloved fairy garden were reflections of her creative soul, but, her truest masterpieces were her children and grandchildren, into whom she poured countless years of wisdom, laughter and most importantly, love.
Karen cherished every second with her loved ones, never tiring of their company. No matter how long the visit lasted, she always insisted it ended too soon. A woman grounded in her faith, Karen found daily joy in journaling her thoughts, prayers and scriptures along with, reading her Bible. Karen lived to serve the Lord, create joy, and provide unshakable love.
Karen is survived by her children, Daughter, Autumn (Rice) Weaver and husband Jeremy of Pryor, and Son, Todd Rice and wife Amanda of Pryor.
Sisters: Andrea (Key) Rawdon and husband Jack of Edmond, OK, Marsha (Key) Vick and husband James "Scooter" of Columbia, TN,
Her best friend/sister Terry Lynn McHenry of Broken Arrow, OK
Grandchildren: Riley Suiter, Josie (Suiter) Carloss and husband Brett, Sophia (Suiter) Hayes and husband Ben, Addison Rice, Brooklyn Rice and Phoebe Weaver
Great Grandchild: Ellis James Hayes
Nieces and Nephews: Clarissa ( Key) Moore, Anthony Rial, Allison Rial, Elizabeth Rawdon, Sophia Post, Jason Engles, Jenny Best, Mark Owens, Kevin West, Melissa (Rawdon) and husband Deuce, Andrew Rawdon and wife Diana
Great Niece and Great Nephew: Ambre "Bean" Rial-Montgomery and Zak Yates
A special sister in law: Clara Key
Cousins: David Bates and wife Theresa, Cathey Gillingham, Peggy Daily and husband Paul, Kim Roach, Cara Lee Soap, Tina Bates, Justin Bates, Lauren Gillingham
She was preceded in death by her precious grandma Flossie (Langston) Woods and her beloved parents Mayes and Wanda Key. Also preceded in death by her loving brothers Tim Key and Mark Key along with her sweet Aunt Loleta Johnson and Uncle Joe Adams.
All of whom carry her legacy forward, do so with the same warmth and grace she lived by. In honoring her memory, may we all strive to live as she did, making room for others, living by faith, and never letting a moment with loved ones pass us by.
"WELL DONE, GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT." Matthew 25:23
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