Trailblazer: Karen McLendon is the Queen Creek Hometown Hero for January

Entrepreneurship runs in Karen McLendon family.
Her mother owned two hair salons, and after marrying her husband, Haskell, in 1964, the couple eventually opened two pet grooming salons in Tempe and Chandler.

In 1988, the couple made their move to Queen Creek and less than 10 years later in 1996, they opened the town’s first state-licensed assisted living care home. But it wasn’t easy.

“They met four different times to talk business with the town and were told three times (that) Queen Creek will never have a need for senior care,” stated Yvonne Dudley, one of the McLendons’ two daughters, in her Queen Creek Hometown Hero nomination of her mother. “Karen said, ‘I know there isn't much out here right now, but can’t you see in five or 10 years it's really going to be a busy place here in Queen Creek?’”

On the fourth try, the couple got the OK to open A Caring Manor and later founded a second location.

Haskell passed away 22 years ago, leaving Karen to operate the business by herself. She has since handed over operations to her daughters.

“Providing comfort to people in their final years has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life,” Karen said.

Name: Karen McLendon

Age: 82

Business Name: A Caring Manor Assisted Living

Town/neighborhood: I now live in in San Tan Valley and both businesses are in Queen Creek Rancho Jardines and Montelelna.

When and why I moved here: My husband and I, along with our two daughters, Yvonne and Alisha, moved here in1988 when land was still reasonable and Queen Creek was the kind of small rural town where everyone knew each other.

What I like most about living here: When I moved here almost 40 years ago, Queen Creek really was a very small rural town, and that’s why I loved it. Today, it has grown so much that it no longer feels small to me, but it has become a very nice place to live with friendly people and a strong sense of community.

What I do: I’m retired after opening and managing two assisted living homes, A Caring Manner in Rancho Jardines, and another in Montelena. Both are still managed by my two daughters. Caring for others has always been close to my heart. Providing comfort to people in their final years has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.

Personal background highlights: When I was younger, my sister and I had the opportunity to perform a tap dance on “The Lew King Ranger Show,” a children's program that aired after school on Phoenix’s KPHO-TV. That was back in the days when Wayne Newton and his brother were just getting their start in show business.

I later studied at the Kachina School of Art in Phoenix, directed by Jay Datus, who was a significant part of the mid-20th century Phoenix arts community. Years later, I applied at Arthur Murray Dance Studio hoping to be a part of their organization. They were interested in teaching me to be a dance instructor, wanting me to sign a four- year lease with them. Unfortunately for them, I met a wonderful man, Haskell McLendon, from Mesa. I didn’t accept their offer. We got engaged and were married two months later on Oct. 10, 1964, in Mesa. From there we raised a beautiful family and built our lives here in the Valley.

Professional background highlights: I spent many years as a small-business owner in the pet industry. I was trained to groom dogs at 16 and eventually bought Lois and Jane's grooming shop in Tempe. Later, we expanded to Chandler, and we renamed our business Pet Concerns, and owned it for 20 years before transitioning to elder care. In 1996, my husband and I opened Queen Creek’s very first licensed residential care home for seniors, A Caring Manor, located at 18642 E. Cloud Road. Fourteen years later, I opened a second home located at 20338 E. Via Del Oro, and today, each of my daughters, Yvonne and Alisha, manage a home.

What I like most about what I do: Knowing that we've created places where people feel at home, where care feels personal, and local employees can make a real difference in someone’s life, that’s what community is all about.

What does being nominated for this category mean to you? That I can be recognized for the years of service that I put forth into the community.

What does it mean to be a Queen Creek resident? It means to me that I get to be a part of the community growth and share the enjoyment with neighbors of Queen Creek.

What do you think you bring to the local community that makes it better? There are many new large facilities coming into Queen Creek that can be less personal. I have provided a small individual care homes that supply vital support for seniors, open more job opportunities for local community members, and create a tender social bond with residents and family.

What would you tell people about why it's important to make a difference in Queen Creek? It’s important to make a difference and preserve its family-friendly vibe.

Changes I'd like to see in this area: A few more finer dine-in restaurants, and possibly wider streets for roads such as Rittenhouse and Ocotillo. How about an art school and a dance studio?

Favorite community cause & why: Our EMTs and fire department are there when it matters most providing life-saving help and reassurance to everyone in need.

My family: My family means the world to me. They are my left and my right hand.

My interests and hobbies: Crafts diamond paintings, gift baskets, floral arrangements, also reading and decorating my home.

The trait(s) I admire in others: I have always admired people with patience, and people who can sing beautifully.

People who inspired me (and how): My mother inspired me always. She was capable of doing anything she set her mind to. She owned two hair salons at the same time, and my father with his wonderful vocabulary and suave fashion sense, showed me how individuality can shine.

My guiding philosophy: Learn as much as you can about what you love.

My advice to today’s youth: Designate time each day to turn off your devices, pray always, and stay close to your Heavenly Father. Those quiet moments will guide you through life better than anything else.

The Queen Creek Independent is pleased to announce Karen McLendon as the January 2026 Hometown Hero bestowed in the category of Trailblazer.  The Queen Creek Independent along with East Valley Institute of Technology and the Queen Creek Olive Mill salute Ms. McLendon as this month's Queen Creek Hometown Heroes Awards recipient.