Pat was born May 31, 1926, in Snohomish to Anne Martell and Terry Ward. Soon after, the family moved to Chelan where Pat excelled in school, worked in her father’s bakery, and participated in sports. Coached by her father, she even earned a local boxing title.
Pat graduated from the University of Washington in 1948 with a BA in Music Education and she played the trumpet in the Husky marching band. After graduation she worked as a dental assistant, first in Seattle and later in Berkley, California.
Through the singles group at Berkley Presbyterian Church, Pat met Ted Cowan. They married in 1955 and moved to Ted’s hometown of Naches to start their married life.
Living on a cherry orchard, Pat learned how to run a picking crew and be an accountant. She also became a mother, taught Sunday School at the Presbyterian Church and led the children’s choir there. In addition to her own four children, she and Ted always had an open door for any child who needed love, support and a stable environment. They offered their home for as long as it was needed.
Over the years, Pat became known in her church and in the community as one who was always ready to step in and help when there was a need. Her ready smile and servant’s heart endeared her to nearly everyone she knew.
Pat is survived by her husband, Ted Cowan, their four children, Julia Donner (Dennis), Caroline Armstrong (Don), Katie Elster (Tyler) and Glen Cowan (Linda), three grandchildren, Jim Donner (Seana), Ryan Elster and Jessica Elster Scheer (Joshua), and three great-grandchildren, Bryant Donner, Paige Donner, and Wesley Scheer. A nephew, Jim Cowan (Elizabeth), has been like a second son to Pat and his two sons, Jason Cowan and Jake Cowan, are considered grandchildren.
At Pat’s request, the burial will be private. For all who knew her, there will be a memorial service at Naches Peace of Christ Church (formerly Naches Presbyterian Church) on September 14th at 1:00 p.m.
Memorial donations can be sent to: Church of God Ministries, P.O. Box 2420, Anderson, Indiana 46018. Please reference Project No. 42.30992 – Asia and Pacific Mission. Or on-line at www.chogglobal.org/asia-pacific-mission.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.keithandkeith.com
