Leona Cowgill

Leona Cowgill, 89, formerly of Stevensville, passed away Wednesday, October 2, 2013 at Royalton Manor in St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 A.M. Monday, October 7, 2013 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Service, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Pastor Eric Thorsen officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph. Friends may visit from 2:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M. Sunday, October 6, 2013 at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to Zion Evangelical United Church of Christ. Those wishing to share a memory of Leona online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Leona was born November 16, 1923 in Buchanan, MI to Porter & Ella (Schultz) Kempton. She graduated from St. Joseph High School. On April 25, 1959 she married Robert “Bob” Cowgill in St. Joseph. Leona worked for Ollies in St. Joseph for 28 years and V.M. in Benton Harbor for 13 years. She was a member of Zion Evangelical United Church of Christ where she taught Sunday school, was the treasurer for the woman’s fellowship and was in the choir. Leona was a loving mother and grandmother who enjoyed spending time with her family. She also enjoyed bowling, golfing and dancing. Leona is survived by her son Scott (Brenda) Cowgill of Berrien Springs; daughter Kimberly Barker of Stevensville; seven grandchildren Tiana (Ryan) West, Victor McLaughlin, Cynthia (Joe) Adams, Thomas Cowgill, Bradley, Lauren & Ella Barker; three great grandchildren Cora & Melody West and Mia Barker; and nephew Steven Harmon. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and sister Gertrude Harmon.