Cindy Ellen Gowen

April 3, 1962 – June 9, 2025

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23

It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we announce the passing of Cindy Ellen Gowen, who went home to be with the Lord on June 9, 2025.

Born April 3, 1962, in Claremore, OK to Grady B. and Juanita (Tobey) Caton. Cindy graduated from Inola High School in 1980 and three months later married Bruce Gowen on August 16th. Cindy continued her education, first at the University of Arkansas, then later at Oklahoma State University. After moving several times over the next few years, Cindy graduated with her bachelor’s degree in business education from Central State University (UCO) in Edmond, OK.

After a year working in the Stillwater Church of Christ Pre-School program, the family moved to Texas where Cindy started her own consulting practice with BeautiControl Cosmetics. The family returned to Edmond in 1994, where Cindy was able to get back into her passion of educating children in the Church. At Memorial Road Church of Christ, she was a Pre-school program teacher, then moved into the church office fulltime as Children’s ministry secretary. This led to the opportunity to become Children’s Education Director, a position that allowed her talents and love for all God’s children to come to the forefront. In this role Cindy was able to implement her life’s passion by creating a program entitled “Journey Land” which incorporated utilizing many adult members in the church to spiritually guide children in understanding God, using different environments each week with interactive lessons to experience stories from the Bible. A format that has continued to be used for the last 25 years.

After another move back to Texas and grandchildren starting to arrive, she “retired” to take care of the grandchildren through their pre-school years.

Cindy’s hobbies revolved around this love of children, not just her own. She was often ‘caught’ decorating neighbors’ yards with eggs and chocolates for Easter holiday or throwing the “most fun” birthday parties. She supported not only her daughters, but also their teams with snacks, posters, and encouragement from the sidelines. This love of children continued throughout her lifetime

Cindy also enjoyed camping with the family, both hers and a large extended family that has continued for almost 30 years together. Cindy also started an annual “family” get together around the New Years holiday, hosting as many as 35 family and friends for many days of celebration. She always wanted her home to feel open and welcoming for all. Though her home was very important, she enjoyed traveling as well, especially to see family, which led to her nickname “Travels with Popcorn” because the grandkids could always find a ready supply of popcorn to pop up and share in her suitcase.

Cindy was a true Christian soul—kind, strong, and full of grace. She greeted life with a warm hug and a servant’s heart, always ready with a thoughtful word, a shared meal, or a helping hand. Cindy made everyone around her feel deeply loved and welcomed.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 44 years, Bruce Gowen; daughter Jenny and husband Ross Anderson, and their children Jackson (16), Sam (14), Calloway (12), Lucy (10), and Brooklyn (6); daughter Ginger and husband Ben Williams, and their son Warren (11); and daughter Mindy and husband Brian Gregory, and their daughter Adelyn (3).

Cindy is also survived by five siblings: Chris Caton, Larry Caton and wife Colleen, Connel Caton and wife Yvonne, Lafe Caton and wife Marla, and sister Kathleen Caton. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Grady B. Caton and Juanita Faye Caton.

Celebration of Life

Visitation

Friday, June 13, 2025

5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Stonebriar Funeral Home

Frisco, Texas

Funeral Service

Saturday, June 14, 2025

10:00 a.m.

McDermott Road Church of Christ

Plano, Texas

Flowers may be sent to Stonebriar Funeral Home. Cindy especially loved red roses and cheerful spring mixes.

Scripture

“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

—Matthew 22:37–39

Thank you for your prayers, love, and support. Your kindness during this time means more than words can express.