Nancy Katherine Cowan

Nancy Katherine Kirby Cowan, 89, passed peacefully from this life into the presence of her Lord on December 8th, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, and unwavering love. She was born on November 25, 1936, in Sentinel, Oklahoma, to William David Kirby and Mary Katherine (Hall) Kirby. Raised in Sentinel, Nancy grew up helping her father with the cattle on the family farm, developing a strong work ethic and a servant’s heart that would shape her entire life.

Nancy was active throughout her school years, singing in the glee club and playing on the basketball team. She graduated from Sentinel High School at just 17 years old and went on to attend Southwestern State College. A devoted student, she completed her Bachelor of Education degree in only three years. During her senior year, she married the love of her life, Aubrey Neal Cowan, on August 18, 1956—a partnership that became the center of her joy and the foundation of a life spent in service to others.

At the age of 20, Nancy began her teaching career at Butler High School, where she taught high school seniors. As Aubrey’s pastoral appointments led their family to new communities, her teaching career moved with them. She touched countless lives through her work in Delhi, Mountain View, Cheyenne, Cache, Weatherford, and later at Redlands Community College. After many fulfilling years in education, Nancy transitioned into public service, completing her career as a budget analyst for the USDA in Oklahoma City.

A devoted mother, Nancy loved supporting her children in every activity, whether sports, school events, or livestock shows. After retirement, she and Aubrey treasured their winters in south Texas, where they made many dear friends at Texas Trails Campground. As grandchildren arrived, Nancy’s joy only expanded. She traveled near and far to cheer them on, celebrating every milestone with pride and love.

Nancy truly embodied a servant’s heart. She faithfully volunteered at her church, assisted at the hospital, delivered Meals on Wheels, and always seemed to know who needed a warm loaf of banana bread or a jar of her homemade jelly. Her generosity was quiet but constant—an everyday expression of her deep faith and compassion.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother and sister-in-law, David and Rogna Kirby; brother-in-law Sheldon Carlson; and brother-in-law Eugene Parker.

Left to cherish her memory are her sisters; Peggy Parker of Duncan and Sue Carlson of Norman; her children, Greg Cowan of Garnett, KS, Brad Cowan and wife Kris of Ellis, KS, Missy Heard and husband Corky of Clinton, OK. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren; Brandon (Kayla) Cowan, Amber (Colt) Reents, Jessica Perry, Jason (Amber) Cowan, Lacie (Nic) Wilson, and Harley (Brandon) Spilman; eight great-grandchildren; a special friend, Kathi Davis, extended family and many friends who will remember her with love.

Nancy’s life was a beautiful example of kindness, faithfulness, and quiet strength. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched and the family who adored her.

Visitation will be from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, with family greeting friends, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Friday, December 12, 2025, at Kiesau-Lee Funeral Home, 2500 W. Gary Blvd., Clinton, OK 73601.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 am, Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the First Baptist Church, 1510 E Davis Rd., Weatherford, OK 73096, with burial following at 2:00 pm in Cheyenne Cemetery, Hwy 47 and N. County Rd 1850, Cheyenne, OK 73628.

The family has requested that memorials be made to the Bulldog Angels Fund for students in crisis at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU), with checks payable to “SWOSU FOUNDATION,” listing “Cowan Memorials” in the memorandum line. Mail to SWOSU Foundation, 100 Campus Dr., Weatherford, OK 73096. Or visit www.SWOSUBulldogAngels.com or by calling the SWOSU Foundation, Inc, at 580-774-3267.