Mary Elizabeth (Wilson) Cowan

Mary Elizabeth (Wilson) Cowan, a beloved matriarch, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2026, at the age of 99. Born on September 18, 1927, to Ernest and Bertha (Baker) Wilson, Mary was a beacon of love and kindness throughout her life.

A longtime member of the Sedalia Church of Christ and Christian Union, Mary found joy in her faith and community. Her passion for gardening flourished alongside her nurturing spirit, which led her to open her heart and home to many foster children over the years, as well as babysitting countless children who were fortunate to know her warmth. Her greatest love, however, was always for her family, and she devoted herself immeasurably to their well-being and happiness.

Mary is survived by her children, Beatrice (Mark) Burkholder, Terri (David) Miller, James R. Cowan, and Ellis Lee Cowan Jr., along with a multitude of grandchildren, relatives, and friends whose lives she touched with her genuine compassion.

She now joins her late husband, Ellis "Lee" Cowan Sr., and is preceded in death by her parents and her siblings: Ella Swengle, Edna Lewis, Grace Young, Esther Scott, Ruth Jencks, Clarence Wilson, Paul Wilson, and Frank Wilson. Her legacy of love and nurturing will forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew her.

The family will welcome friends for a time of remembrance and reflection at the Sedalia Church of Christ and Christian Union, located at 60 South Street, Sedalia, OH 43151, on Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. A funeral service, led by Pastor Gordon Ell, will begin promptly at 3:00 PM. Following the service, Mary will be laid to rest in Range Township Cemetery, where her spirit will continue to watch over her loved ones.