Katherine Cowen Harrell

Katherine Marie Cowen Harrell passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at the age of 91, surrounded by her family.

Katherine was born on February 6, 1935, in McAlester, Oklahoma, to Ruby and Link Cowen. When she was an infant, her family returned to Shawnee, Oklahoma, home of the family business, Cowen Construction Company, founded in 1896. Katherine was always proud to share that the company remains in the family five generations later.

She grew up in a loving family as the oldest of five children in their home at “the big white house on Broadway.” When Katherine was about seven, her uncle Steve came to live with the family. She considered his arrival a gift and adored having him as a big “brother.” Katherine formed friendships in grade school that remained with her throughout her life. In high school, she was voted Hi-Y Sweetheart and was named Best All Around Girl during her senior year.

For six summers, Katherine attended Camp Waldemar in the Texas Hill Country, where she was honored as the Ideal Waldemar Girl. Her love for Waldemar remained with her throughout her life, as did many of the friendships she made there. Years later, she shared that special place with her daughter and granddaughter, sending them to the same camp she had loved so dearly.

After graduating from Shawnee High School, Katherine attended the University of Oklahoma and pledged Kappa Alpha Theta, where she formed lifelong friendships. One was with her future sister-in-law, Jane Harrell Moran. After much persistence from Jane, Katherine agreed to meet Jane’s brother, Jim Harrell, and the rest, as they say, was history. She also formed a close friendship with Suzanne Laughlin, who later married Katherine’s beloved brother, Steve Cowen. Katherine and Jim fell in love and married in 1957. With only six credit hours remaining to complete her degree, Katherine left OU. Six years later, determined to finish what she had started, she returned and earned her degree in sociology.

Katherine’s husband, Jim, died tragically in 1968, leaving her to raise their three children. Faced with tremendous adversity, Katherine moved forward with grace, determination, and an unwaveringly positive outlook on life. Her selflessness and complete devotion to her children were among her greatest qualities. Through her strength, courage, and love, she gave her children the confidence of knowing they could always turn to her, no matter the circumstances. As both mother and father to them for much of their lives, there was no better person in the world in her children’s eyes.

To her two grandchildren, Jake and Allie, Katherine was affectionately known as “GEE,” and they were truly the light of her life. She delighted in taking them on field trips, activities, and countless adventures, and she absolutely adored being their grandmother.

After her children were grown, Katherine joined her longtime Theta friend Diane Douglass at Diane Lee’s, an estate appraisal and estate sales business. They worked side by side for many years, and the venture brought Katherine together with several of her longtime Theta and college friends.

Katherine believed deeply in being involved in her community. She was active in Theta Alumni, served as chairperson of the Flaming Festival and president of the Oklahoma City Alumni Chapter, and was honored as Theta of the Year. She was also a member of two bridge clubs, two book clubs, and several other organizations throughout the Oklahoma City area.

When Katherine moved to Epworth Villa, her apartment quickly became a gathering place for friends from Shawnee and OU, as well as her new community of neighbors. She participated in chair yoga classes, joined a book club, and even interviewed prospective new residents for Epworth’s welcoming videos. Wherever Katherine went, she had a remarkable way of making people feel welcome, valued, and seen.

Katherine left an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to know her. Her warmth, generosity, strength, and genuine interest in others drew people to her throughout her life. Even during her final days and weeks at Epworth, she was surrounded by people whose lives she had touched—a fitting reflection of a life defined by friendship, family, and love.

Katherine was preceded in death by her husband, James A. Harrell; her parents, Link and Ruby Cowen; her sister-in-law, Jane Harrell Moran; and her brother, Steve Cowen.

She is survived by her three children: Charlotte Harrell Kauffman and her husband, Houston; Chris Harrell and his wife, Kim; and Marc Harrell. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Allie Harrell and Jake Harrell and his wife, Bridget; her siblings, Joanne Bole, Mary Alice Brumley, Suzie McKenzie and husband Robert, and Link Cowen; her sister-in-law, Suzanne Everage and husband Gordon; and many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

The family would like to thank the staff at Epworth Villa, her caregivers from Senior Helpers, and Mercy Hospice for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, P.O. Box 270968, Oklahoma City, OK 73137; Christ the King Early Childhood Center at ckokc.org (please designate the Early Childhood Development Center); or Wings, P.O. Box 2095, Edmond, OK 73083.

Services will be held at Smith & Kernke Funeral Home, 14624 N. May Ave., Oklahoma City, on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.