Cheryl Ann Cowles

Cheryl Cowles left us for home on May 10, 2023. Cheryl's life adventure began in Northwest Indiana where she was born to Lealon and Ethel (Strain) Bottom. Her days were filled with happy memories of school, Oreos and grape pop (on the sly with Grandpa Strain), homegrown tomatoes, trips to Michigan city for plants (grandma and grandpa had a nursery), siblings (sisters Nancy and Karen, brother Michael), Grandma Francille, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends and on and on. Upon graduation from high school Cheryl earned a degree from Purdue University in Hotel and Institutional Food Management. After graduation Cheryl became a manager with Furr's Cafeteria's in Lubbock, Texas. Eventually Cheryl was moved to the Furr's Cafeteria in Bartlesville, Oklahoma where she caught the eye of a tall lanky Oklahoman. The first attraction was fried chicken, subsequent niceties will remain unmentioned. Okay, she could cook and she was hot. This led to a 37-year romance that yielded Sarah Ashley and Elizabeth Anne. The years were fun and frenzied. Unfortunately, sickness decided to visit many years ago. But did it slow Cheryl down or change her outlook? Nope. Cheryl loved, loved, loved people. Pretty much every time she was asked how she felt she would say, "Good!". Ahem. And, usually after each doctor's visit she would ask the doctors and nurses how she could pray for THEM. Cheryl volunteered for many a cause. Who knows how much she cooked for others. She was one of the cooks at more than one church we attended through the years. Losing her is tough, but she left behind a legacy of caring for others that will endure. An old saying applies to Cheryl, "People may not remember what you did, but they will remember how you made them feel." Cheryl was preceded in death by her Grandma and Grandpa Bottom, Grandma and Grandpa Strain, mom and dad (Lealon and Ethel Bottom). Cheryl is survived by her super awesome and number one fan husband Luke Cowles as well as their stunning daughters Sarah (and cool husband Colby) and Annie (and candidate to be, Justin). Cheryl lived happy and positive. We are endeavoring to do the same. Cheryl, it’s not "Goodbye", but "See you later!". I am expecting a pie as I come through the gate. All my love, Luke