Karen Marie McVey

1953 - 2021

Karen M. McVey passed away on Aug. 16, 2021, at the ranch near Haigler after a year-long fight with cancer. She was born June 7, 1953, in North Platte, to Wesley Steel and Joy Binegar Steel. She attended Hall Grade School and graduated from North Platte High School in 1971. She enrolled at Chadron State College. In her first week at Chadron, she met Mark McVey who became her best friend for the rest of her life. After she graduated, Karen and Mark were married on Aug. 2, 1975, in North Platte. They lived at the ranch in Haigler for 46 years. Karen taught school, raised three boys, kept house and did the ranch bookkeeping. She was a dedicated volunteer for a multitude of organizations and activities. She was an excellent horsewoman and was the best cowgirl on the ranch until she could no longer ride. She enjoyed bowling, her church, sewing, arts and crafts, and most of all, her grandchildren. Karen was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Mike Steel; brother-in-law, Bill McVey; and nephews Clint, Jed and James VanderWey. She is survived by her husband, Mark; sons, Brian (Terra), Clay (Kellyn) and AJ (Krystal); siblings, Ed (Susan) Steel, Pat Correll and Sherri Britton; grandchildren, Drew, Jack, Paislee, Grant, Lyndee, Charley and Hayes; several nieces and nephews; and a plethora of friends and neighbors. Memorials are suggested to the Haigler Methodist Church or the Golden Inn in Haigler. A memorial service was held on Aug. 23, at the Haigler Legion Hall with Pastor Gary Fisher officiating. Schmidt-Jones Funeral Home, Wray, Colorado, was in charge of arrangements.