Helen Hopkins Cowan

Helen was born January 25, 1928, to Daniel Hopkins and Annabel Ferris Hopkins in St. John, Washington. Growing up on a wheat farm and cattle ranch, Helen learned early the many responsibilities that came with farm life. She started driving a wheat truck at age 13 when there were fewer men available to hire due to World War II.

After high school, Helen attended WSU, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics with a minor in Music. She played the piano and organ and enjoyed playing for many church services over the years.

Helen married Donald Cowan on December 29, 1957, in Naches, Washington. Helen’s brother Howard, a visiting pastor, delivered the morning sermon. Howard spoke on marriage, and at the end of the sermon he asked if anyone would like to get married. Don and Helen stood up and walked to the front of the church—much to the congregation’s surprise! It was all planned, and that day began their journey as husband and wife. Don and Helen had two children, and in 2020 they celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary.

In their early years, Don and Helen owned and operated a fruit orchard, as well as a dry cleaning and laundry business. In addition, Helen served most of her working years as an Educational Social Worker for Yakima Public Schools. She enjoyed helping children have successful educational experiences and made sure that her own children and grandchildren grew up valuing education, encouraging each of them through their educational journey.

In 1972, Don and Helen added dryland wheat farming. In 2003, following Helen’s retirement, they made a complete move to St. John, returning to Helen’s roots. One of their highlights was having the grandchildren come to spend a week with Grandpa and Grandma on the farm. Many fun farm adventures were mixed in with mini lessons on agriculture and developing a good work ethic.

Helen was an avid gardener in her own yard and was an active member of the St. John Community Garden Club. Don and Helen enjoyed traveling by motorhome every winter and made many trips around the United States. They regularly ended their annual travels in El Centro, California, where they developed dear friendships with fellow RVers. They were instrumental in organizing a “winter church” at their RV park, where Helen continued to use her lifelong love for music by directing the choir.

Also in retirement, Helen discovered that she had a talent for watercolor painting. Each of her grandchildren has been blessed with one or more of her beautiful, framed paintings.

While living in St. John, Helen served for many years on the Colfax Hospital Auxiliary board and volunteered in the gift shop, even into her nineties. Don and Helen were committed to attending and serving their community church and loved to invite new guests out to lunch on many Sundays.

Don passed away in 2021. In 2024, Helen’s son Mark and his wife, Colleen, persuaded her to move from her hometown of St. John, Washington, to Salem, Oregon, so she could enjoy living near her family. Her last two years were blessed by regular visits with her grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She was even able to hold two of her great-grandchildren on the day they were born.

This past year, as she approached her 98th birthday, Helen was given the opportunity to write her own story in a booklet about her life to be given to her children and grandchildren. In the last chapter, she wrote the following:

“A strong faith in the God of our Salvation is of utmost importance in maintaining a healthy attitude, so read your Bible. No one enjoys being around a complaining, unsmiling and negative person. Believe, share, sing, praise and smile while you say thank you.”

Helen was a role model to all who knew her. She was always smiling and sharing her love for Jesus. Now she is face to face with her Saviour, and we are sure He said, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; daughter Charlotte; brother Howard Hopkins; and sister Margaret Hopkins Logen.

She is survived by her son, Mark (Colleen) of Salem; grandchildren Aaron (Katie) of Port Angeles; Michael (Megan) and their children, Nigel, Daphne, Louie, and Clara, of Salem; and Holly Cowan Galis (David) and their children, Jason and Lydia, of Salem; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Terrace Heights Memorial Park in Yakima, Washington, followed by a reception at 12:00 p.m. at Keith & Keith Terrace Heights Memorial Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to:

Union Gospel Mission, PO Box 4066, Spokane, WA 99220

First Baptist Church Colfax, 200 N Mill Street, Colfax, WA 99111

St. John Global Methodist Church, PO Box 236, St. John, WA 99171