Grace Dearden Cowles

Grace Mary Dearden Cowles

Our beautiful mother and best friend, Grace Mary Dearden Cowles, passed away on May 25, 2013 of causes incident to age and Sjorgren's disease with her family by her side.

Grace was born on January 21, 1924 in Ogden, Utah the eldest child of Clarence Lehi Dearden and Marguerite Lottier Dearden. Even as a child she was happy and had an engaging sense of humor. Throughout her life she maintained a sweet demeanor that won her the trust and hearts of many. Her signature gifts were joy and love exemplified through her constant smiling and laughter and will never be forgotton.

She graduated from Ogden High School in 1942. She met Leland James Cowles who was selling bananas at the Checkerboard Market in Ogden. They were married September 3, 1943 in the Salt Lake Temple. She was a Navy war bride and lived in California, Idaho and Washington during the war years. She worked as a secretary. After the war, she joined her husband in establishing Intermountain Trailer Company in Ogden, a business operated for 40 years.

She was an avid reader. She loved to crochet and made beautiful afghans, doilies and baby blankets which all of her children and grandchildren have enjoyed receiving She was a prolific writer of "Thank You" notes. She was a master of the crossword puzzle.

She made a difference in many people's lives. She served for over 36 1/2 years as a volunteer at the McKay Dee Hospital, logging thousands of hours , and served as president of the organization. She served the Lord faithfully as a Relief Society President, a Young Women's President and on the Stake Board. Her favorite calling was as a visiting teacher.

Her greatest joy and happiness was found in the time she spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a supporter of marching bands, soccer games, track meets, wrestling, basketball, softball, piano recitals and dance revues. She loved to travel.

Grace is survived by her children Margaret and Ben Read, Marilynn Brady, James and Sue Cowles, Diane and Brent Wood and Scott and Brenda Cowles. She has 19 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchidren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 63 years, Leland J. Cowles; her brother, L. Clair Dearden; and a great granddaughter, Katie Field. She is also survived by sisters-in-law, Lynda (Robert) Miller and Ann Dearden Clark and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family wishes to thank Elisa, Heather and Trista of Hospice and especially daughter, Marilynn.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, May 31, 2013 at 11 am at the Rushton Heights Ward Chapel, 1550 Rushton, Ogden, Utah. A viewing will be held Thursday evening, May 30, 2013 from 6 to 8 pm at Aaron's Mortuary, 496, 24th Street, Ogden, Utah and an hour prior to services at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Primary Children's Hospital.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.aaronsmortuary.com.