Irene “June” Cowles, 88, passed away on Tuesday, January 10, 2017, at Meadowview of Greeley.
She was born on June 10, 1928, in Clay Center, KS, to the late Marion D. and Emma (Engelhardt) Hemphill. At the start of her primary education, her family moved to Tekamah, NE. Upon high school graduation, at the age of 18, she was one of eight coeds to model collegiate fashions for Schweser’s Department Store in Fremont, Nebraska, prior to leaving for college.
During her time at the University of Nebraska, she met her husband of 65 years, Ralph Cowles. After their marriage, they lived in North Platte, where their first two children, Ralph and Bob, were born.
They later moved to Pueblo, CO, then to Greeley, where their younger children, Debbie and Jim, were born. Ralph and June originally had plans to open a hotel in Greeley, but upon arriving, determined that a tax business would be a better fit with their business studies. June and her husband, Ralph, started Cowles Tax Service, which their sons continue to operate today. She thoroughly enjoyed tax preparation and held all of her clients with deep regard and affection.
June was a member of First United Presbyterian Church (now Cornerstone Community Church), a member of P.E.O. Chapter BE (a philanthropic organization), an avid bridge player and member of several bridge clubs. She also enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, golf, and travel. Her greatest love, however, was spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren, and her newly-born great grandson.
June was a much-loved mother, wife, and grandmother who always put the needs of her children first. She was known for her ability to talk to anyone, her incredible generosity, and her persistent expressions of appreciation and gratitude. She will be greatly missed.
She is survived by her four children: Ralph Cowles, Jr. of Greeley, Bob (Susie) Cowles of Greeley, Debbie (Randy) Dement of Centennial, and Jim (Cathy) Cowles of Greeley; seven grandchildren: David Cowles, Liz (Beau) Bufton, Bryan Dement, Eric (Jen) Dement, Kevin Dement, Scott Dement, and Jonathan Cowles; great grandchild Braylon Bufton; and sisters Emily Hartman, Mary Speer, and Paula Morrow.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph, and her sister, Barbara.
Services will be held at Adamson Chapel, 2000 47th Ave, Greeley, CO at 11:00am on Monday, January 16, 2017 with a reception to follow. Private interment at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Contributions may be made to the charity of your choice. Friends may leave condolences at adamsoncares.com.