Velma Lowry Mccowen

After a brief illness, Velma Lowry McCowen passed peacefully from this life on earth to eternal life at Mesilla Valley Hospice La Posada on July 1. A lifelong resident of the Mesilla Valley, Mrs. McCowen was the eldest of five children born to Margaret Nunn Lowry and David Lowry on November 26, 1922. Her surviving siblings are Virginia Brownfield of El Paso, Dan Lowry of Mesilla, and Dorothy (and JB) Ridgeway of Carlsbad. Her parents and sister Verna Brantley preceded her in death. Mrs. McCowen's passion in life was the graceful caring for her family. In June 1942 she traveled to Virginia in the company of her father and sister Verna to marry Lt. Richard McCowen prior to his WWII deployment. After the war the McCowens settled in Las Cruces and raised three children, David (and Linda) McCowen of Tacoma Washington, Margaret McCowen of Las Cruces, and Leah McCowen of Las Cruces. For the 62 years they were married prior to Mr. McCowen's passing in 2005, their lives were filled with joy, laughter, a smattering of trials and tribulations, commitment to their home and community, and an unshakeable dedication to each other. Velma graduated from New Mexico A & M (NMSU) with a BS in Home Economics, and used her education and skills to create a beautiful, warm, and welcoming home environment for her family and friends. She was always concerned about the well-being of those around her and everyone who knew her will remember her comfortable entertaining style and delicious meals. She was an active member of St. Paul's Methodist Church and at the time of her passing held the longest membership at St Paul's, 80 years. Over the course of her lifetime, she participated in many community activities and had many friends who loved and respected her. She was one of a kind and will always be remembered for her warmth, joyful sense of humor, and caring for her family and friends. In addition to her siblings and children, Mrs. McCowen is survived by five grandchildren; Richard McCowen of Tacoma Washington, Heather McCowen (and Paul Botts) of Chicago Ill, Ana Serna of Albuquerque, Joe Putman of Las Cruces, and Kate Putman of Las Cruces; two great grandchildren, Kaitlyn McCowen and Isabella Putman; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors who are glad she shared her life with them. A visitation will be held on Sunday, July 10, 2011 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Getz Funeral Home Chapel. The funeral service will be on Monday, July 11, 2011 at 9:00 am at St. Paul's United Methodist Church with Rev. James Large officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Donations may be made to Mesilla Valley Habitat for Humanity 720 N. Santa Fe Street, Las Cruces, NM 88001 (575) 525- 0475 or to Mesilla Valley Hospice 299 E. Montana, Las Cruces, NM 88005 (575) 523-4700. PDF Printable Version