Betty Cowan

Betty L. Cowan

March 28, 1926 ~ August 9, 2018

Mom had two requests when it came to her obituary. “Please don’t fill it with gushy things about me that just aren’t true - and remember to include the Knit Wits.” We have tried to honor both requests.

Betty Lou Cowan passed away Aug. 9, 2018 at Ogden Regional Medical Center after a stroke. She was born March 28, 1926 in Los Angeles, California to Cecil Cruz Burke and Durel Harris. Her closest friend was her only sibling and younger sister, Bonnie Jean.

Mom grew up in Ogden and was a proud graduate of Ogden High School. During her high school years she sang at the White City Bowl. Her beautiful contralto voice was a perfect fit for the big band tunes. She turned down an offer to go with the band to Hollywood saying she really wanted to be a wife and mother. On Feb. 24, 1945 she married Norman J. Thompson. He preceded her in death. On July 24, 1954 she married William K. Cowan. He passed away Sept. 27, 2006.

Mom and Dad raised their family in Roy, Utah, where they lived for more than three decades. A member of the Roy 7th Ward, Mom held many church callings and formed life-long friendships. Among them were her cherished friends from the Knit Wits, a group of neighborhood women who met monthly to knit, laugh and lean on one another. Fifty years later the group is smaller but equally devoted.

Mom retired from Weber State College where she worked as secretary to the Dean of the School Education. She remained a life-long Weber fan. After her retirement, Mom and Dad moved to St. George, Utah where they lived for ten years before moving to Riverdale. At the time of her death, Mom was a resident of Mountain Ridge Assisted Living in South Ogden.

Mom was always singing or whistling. She loved popcorn, driving, and playing games with her children and grandchildren. She chose happiness over heartache and was always looking for ways to serve others.

She is survived by five children: Sue Boswell, Ogden; Scott (Diane) Thompson, Hooper; Mari (John) Garrard, West Point; Jennifer (Randy) Jones, Layton; and Michele (Keith) Pasker, Centerville; 22 grandchildren, 70 great-grandchildren and 20 great, great-grandchildren. We are eternally grateful for her love and example.

A celebration of our mom’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, August 13, 2018 at Lindquist’s Roy Mortuary, 3333 West 5600 South. Visitation from 10-10:45 a.m.

Interment, Lindquist’s Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd.