It is with deep sadness and loving memory that we announce the passing of Karen Kay McKeen, beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Karen peacefully departed this world on October 14, 2024, in Prescott, Arizona, after a brave fight with pneumonia. She was 73 years old.
Karen was born on June 21, 1951, in Santa Paula, California, to Goldie Dobbs and Edward Edison. She grew up in Fillmore, California, where she blossomed into the warm and caring soul we all cherished. A proud graduate of Fillmore High School’s Class of 1969, Karen pursued her passion for beauty and attended beauty school in Oxnard, where she became a skilled beautician. While working in Santa Paula, fate led her to meet and fall in love with Steven McKeen, who became her lifelong partner and soulmate.
Karen’s heart found its greatest joy in her family, spending cherished moments with those she loved most. Nine years ago, she and Steven made a loving home in Prescott Valley, Arizona, where they enjoyed the company of their cherished fur babies, Dolly and Rae.
Karen is survived by her devoted husband of 51 years, Steven; her daughter, Stephanie (Billy); her twin sister, Sharen Reyes; her sister Patricia Kiunke (David); her brother Edward Edison (Shirley); daughter-in-law Sasha McKeen; and father-in-law Larry Rose. Her legacy of love and warmth lives on through her grandchildren—Richard, Edward, Gabriel, Sierra, Devon, BreeAnna, DomiNick, Ava, and Aalyiah—and her great-grandchildren, Natalia, Niera, and Maddox. She also leaves behind many treasured nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
She joins in peace those she loved dearly who went before her: her parents, her brothers Philip and Jeffrey, her beloved son Steven, and her precious grandson Andrew.
Karen’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the pulmonary specialists, nurses, and medical staff at YRMC West Hospital in Prescott, Arizona, for their exceptional care and compassion.
A graveside service to honor and celebrate Karen's life will be held on October 30 at 11 a.m. at Pierce Brothers Santa Paula Cemetery, 380 Cemetery Rd., Santa Paula, CA.
Arrangements are under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, Ventura.