Bette Jeanne Cowley

Bette Cowley

Richfield, Utah

On July 27, 2016, our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt, Bette Jeanne Baker Cowley, 91, returned to her Heavenly Father, with her family at her bedside in Salt Lake City, Utah. Bette was born in Richfield, Utah on April 2, 1925 to Karl Guy and Phyrne Elizabeth Ence Baker. She had a wonderful childhood in Richfield and many fond memories of family and friends. She married Varsall Clair Cowley on September 1, 1948 with her father-in-law, Varsall Cowley officiating. Her marriage to Clair was solemnized in the Salt Lake LDS Temple September 1, 1966.

Bette and Clair made their home in Richfield where Bette taught elementary school. She took a break from teaching to raise a family and then returned to teaching special education until her retirement. Bette loved her students, loved teaching, and did her best to make sure they received what they needed to succeed. Mom had many talents. She had a beautiful voice and loved to sing in plays, choirs and church. Mostly Mom had a talent for making a great home for her husband and children.

Following retirement, Bette and Clair served two missions to LDS historical sites, made new friends in St. George at their winter home, and traveled the world. They did everything together for 52 years of married life. She was a loving and devoted companion and we will always be grateful for the example that she set in caring for our father during his final days. Clair died August 13, 2000 leaving a large void in Bette’s life. Following Clair’s death, she promptly sold her home in Richfield and bought a new home directly across the street from the cemetery where she had a view of Clair’s headstone from her front porch. She kept her days busy volunteering as a Pink Lady at the hospital and being an active member of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers and Relief Society. She lived independently in that home for 8 years until a fall resulted in a broken back. For her remaining years she was lovingly cared for in the home of her daughter Cari and son-in-law Gary.

She is survived by her son, Dr. Cris Cowley ( Dr. Joan Abele), Salt Lake City; daughters: Becky (Bruce) Blackham, Gunnison; Cari (Gary) Eubanks, So. Jordan; and foster daughter, Ella Mae Jimmie, Gallup, NM. Bette was blessed with 27 grandchildren and 49 great-grandchildren.

She is also preceded in death by her parents; sister, Carole Bagley; and a grandson, Daniel Cowley.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 6, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. in the Magleby Mortuary Chapel, 50 S 100 W, where friends may call from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Burial will be in the Richfield City Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com