Obituary: Viola Celia Butler Cowan

Viola Celia Butler Cowan 1909 ~ 2005 Viola Celia Butler Cowan, 96, died peacefully at her home Nov. 12, 2005 of causes incident to age. She was born March 17, 1909 in Spring Lake, Utah to William and Fanny Viola Huish Butler. She was the 3rd of ten children. Viola married George Marlin "Mike" Cowan on January 18, 1928 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. They were married for 59 years before he passed away on March 5, 1987. Mrs. Cowan was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was the ward chorister for 24 years, served as a teacher in all the organizations, worked in the library, was a visiting teacher and served as Young Women's President. She served in the Provo Temple for 21 years. While working in the temple, she was asked to learn the computer system. She then taught other ladies how to use the computer. She has always been interested in genealogy research and has traced both her and her husband's lines back several generations. She was a founding member of the Spring Lake Camp of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers and attended meetings until her death. She held many positions of leadership in this organization. Service to others was an important part of Viola's life. She started with the 4-H program in 1943 and served in many capacities for 32 years. She served on the county board and traveled to many other towns judging exhibits. She also judged many county and state fair exhibits. She won a Farm Bureau Award during this time. She was one of the 4-H leaders who, along with the county commissioners, started the Utah County Fair in 1969. Music was the love of Viola's life. She sang at many functions including the dedication of the memorial in Payson Park for those killed in World War II. She also sang at General Conference with both the Relief society and Primary choruses. She sang in many local operas. Viola helped with voter registration for many years and was also a voting place judge. She also enjoyed bowling. She started bowling at the age of 52. When she was in her early 70's, she started bowling in a league with one of her granddaughters and bowled until she was 84, winning many trophies. She and her husband enjoyed traveling. They traveled extensively in the Continental United States and Canada. They also traveled to England, Mexico and Hawaii. She is survived by one son, Frank (Evelyn) Cowan; three daughters, Nelda Owen, Zola (Johan) VanZeben and Marion Searle; 19 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren, 20 great-great grandchildren; one brother, Jay (Carol) Butler; one sister, Darthella Cook; a sister-in-law, Thelma Butler; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Mike; two sons, Dan and Michael; one grandson, Kerry Searle; two great-grandsons, two great-granddaughters, five brothers and 3 sisters. Viola loved all of her family members unconditionally. She was always proud of their accomplishments and supported them even when they faltered. We love you and will miss you. Funeral services will be held Friday, Nov. 18, 2005 at 1 :00 p.m. in the Spring Lake Ward Chapel, 12625 South Spring Lake Road, Spring Lake, Utah. Family and friends may call at the Walker Mortuary, 587 South 100 West, Payson, Utah Thursday evening, Nov. 17th, from 6-8 p.m. and at the chapel on Friday, 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Burial will be in the Payson City Cemetery.Condolences may be sent to the family at www.walkerfamilymortuaries.com.