Gloria Marlene Cowell, 84, of Arbela died Thursday, May 17, 2018 at Scotland County Hospital.
She was born the daughter of George and Ruth (Dieterich) Riebel on January 24, 1934 in Arbela.
Marlene was married to Andrew Martin Cowell on November 25, 1951 at the Methodist Parsonage by the Rev. Wilbur Longstreth. Martin preceded her in death on May 22, 1987.
To this union two sons, Glen Andrew and Gregory Alan Cowell, were born.
Marlene was a lifetime member of the Scotland County Genealogical Society, where she served as the President for four years and was for many years the editor of the Scotland County Genealogical Society newsletter. She was a member for years of the Plum College Extension Club until it disbanded, holding many offices in that organization, but mostly as secretary. Marlene also was the 4-H Leader of the Azen Jolly Timers and then the Arbela Arrows 4-H Club for several years as a project leader while her sons were members. Marlene was a member of the Jauflione chapter of the D.A.R. in Memphis.
The Cowells always liked the Scotland County Fair, attending every one from the beginning at this present fair grounds site. Martin showed cattle and swine, she showed her horses for a number of years. They continued attending, helping their boys show their livestock at the fair. After his death, she still attended every fair, encouraging her grandchildren and great great grandchildren with their endeavors. She was the first woman to become a Fair Board Member, which wasn’t the thing to do at that time (according to some of the older ladies), but it is not all that unusual now.
Although she hadn’t had a horse for many years, she never lost her love of horses. Her hobbies were reading, embroidering, crocheting traveling and working on her genealogy — which was like a good detective book for her.
Marlene dearly loved her sons and their families, all her grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. She was always thrilled to see them.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, grandparents and a great grandson.
She is survived by: her sons, Glen and significant other, Janet Hamilton, and Gregory and wife Kathy Cowell; grandchildren: Cari and husband Joshua Eldridge, Jason Cowell, Justin Cowell, Courtney Cowell and Andrew and wife Nikki Cowell; great grandchildren: Justin and wife Hannah Eldridge, Corbin Southerland, Alec and Cora Jacobs, Brice Cowell, Avery and Christopher Cowell, Orin Eldridge, Jaxon and Emersyn Cowell; great great grandchildren: Lily and Violet Eldridge; Travis Mathews, Stacy, Scarlett, Brandon, Derrick Hamilton and their children — whom she considered her grandchildren too.
Memorial services will be at 3 p.m., Monday, May 21 in the chapel. Visitation is prior to the service from 1-3 p.m. Officiating the service will be Sonny Smyser, pastor of the Schuyler County Church of Faith, and Marilyn Fitzgerald, pastor of the Arbela United Methodist Church.
Memorials are suggested to the Scotland County Genealogical Society, Lawn Ridge Church or the Arbela United Methodist Church.
7 comments
I always thought a lot of Marlene. Wonderful neighbor!
Marlene was a warm and sweet friend and neighbor. My fondest moments of my life go back to my childhood where my Mom, Molly Lancaster and Marlene were the best of friends. Drinking coffee, laughing, visiting for hours, antiquing, church functions, you name it! It seemed like where you saw 1, the other 2 were close by and ALWAYS they were there when a neighbor was in need.
Arbela had heart back then as neighbors got together for ice cream socials and watermelon. 4H, Tupperware parties and chiveries.. After all those memories and all those years Arbelas heart is breaking as a great and wonderful lady has past on, but I like to think, that my Mom, Molly and Marlene are up in Heaven hugging and laughing, catching up around a cup of coffee with their husbands nearby. No more pain, no more suffering, no more sorrow just enjoying the Arbela reunion.
To the family: Your Mom was VERY special. May God bless and comfort you in this difficult time. All my love. Lisa
Marlene was a good friend for many a year. We extend our sympathy to her family.
What a surprise! Just spoke to her through Facebook the other day! Marlene was like a sister to me back in the 1970’s and I just loved her. She will be missed by the populations of Arabella and Memphis I am sure of that. Marlene, Rest In Peace. I love you.
Martin andarlene were one of the first people that welcomed us to Scotland county. I have moved, but my thoughts are with the family
To Marlene’s Family,
I will always treasure the memories of our families spending time together when we were kids at Uncle Black and Aunt Marilyn’s lake house! Learning to water ski, picnics, and winter soup supper get together! Martin and Marlene were great people! I have enjoyed running into Marlene at different places around Memphis. We always shared a good talk! And her unforgettable smile and laugh! She will be re embered and missed!!! Our heartfelt sympathy and love to all her family!
My thoughts and prauers go out to your family.
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