Mary Kay Cowan, 74, of Green Castle passed away unexpectedly Monday, March 13, 2023.

Born March 2, 1949 in Quincy, Illinois, Kay was the daughter of Robert and Viola Schmiedeskamp. Kay attended school in Quincy and graduated with the class of 1967. Kay was united in marriage to Arnold “Bud” Cowan in 1996, who preceded in death in 2001.

Kay enjoyed riding horses, gardening, working with her son at the Farmers Market and working with students at Truman State University. Kay was passionate about being a home stay parent for the Language Company and hosted several students in her home over many years.

Kay was a member of the Cornerstone Church and loved to attend with her family.

Kay was preceded in death by her father and husband.

Kay is survived by her mother Viola Schmiedeskamp; son, Jason (Cristina) Sandner; sister, Susan (Tom) Hammar; grandchildren, Brenna (Cody) Newberry and Colton Moots; great grandchildren, Benjamin Newberry, Mayson Newberry, Rebekah Newberry, and Landon Moots; and her loving dog Rusty.

A celebration of life in honor of Kay will be held at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville, Missouri, with Pastor Jeremy Broach presiding. Public visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

Memorial donations may be made to Jason Sandner and may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, Missouri 63501.