Kay Rae Bowden - Nusz

Kay Rae Bowden-Nusz, 84, of Pryor, Oklahoma, passed away on July 9, 2025, in Pryor. She was born on June 11, 1941, in Enid, Oklahoma, to F.G. Bowden and Irene (Schaffer) Bowden. Kay was raised in Enid, where she met the love of her life, Larry Nusz. Sweethearts since age 14, they were married on July 11, 1959, in Newton County, Missouri. Shortly after, they moved to Germany where Larry was stationed, and they welcomed their first child, Cindy. Upon returning to Tulsa, they had their second child, Kirk. A hard worker from the age of 13, Kay earned her cosmetology license and opened her own beauty shop. After moving to Pryor, Kay and Larry owned and operated the Dairy Stop for many years, and later the Circle L BBQ. When they relocated to Texas, she ran the Bible Book Store. Throughout her life, Kay loved decorating her home for every holiday, was very crafty, enjoyed traveling, and cherished time spent with her grandchildren. She was also a proud member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority.

Kay is survived by her daughter, Cindy Taylor and husband Steve of Pryor, Oklahoma; five grandchildren, Brandon, Shay, Larry, Derek, and Cassie; seven great-grandchildren, Quincy, Karly, Kaden, Rylin, Taylor, Maverik, and Norah; one great-great-grandchild, Rowan; and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Larry Nusz, her son Kirk Nusz, and her sister Gerry Long and husband Jim.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 2, at 2:00 p.m., with Rev. Paul Sheets officiating, in the Shipman’s Funeral Home Chapel in Pryor. To leave a message for her family, please visit her tribute wall at www.shipmansfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shipman’s Funeral & Cremation Service.