SANTA FE – Mrs. Elizabeth Yaws Cowan passed peacefully from this life into her eternal life with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Saturday evening, July 26, 2008, at her home.
Affectionately known to many as Auntie Cowan, Elizabeth was born May 8, 1914 in Cameron, Texas to Robert A. and Hermilla (Spiller) Yaws. She moved to Santa Fe when she was 6 years old and attended Santa Fe High School where she graduated as valedictorian in 1931. She continued her education at Sam Houston State University where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in education and then received her master’s degree in education from the University of Houston. Her lifelong passion of teaching would span a career of over 48 years with the last 38 years being spent at Santa Fe ISD. In 2007, the Santa Fe ISD dedicated the Elizabeth Yaws Cowan Elementary School in honor of her commitment and dedication to the children of this area. Mrs. Cowan joined the First Baptist Church of Alta Loma at the age of 10 but also attended Aldersgate United Methodist Church where her mother had been a charter member. In addition, she was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma and an avid Aggie fan who loved to listen to classical music and “run the roads” with her dear family and friends. A kind and gracious lady, she was always quick to give thanks to the Lord for the many blessings He gave her while on this earth. She had a contagious zest for life and inspired everyone she knew with her enthusiasm, her service to others and her passion for learning, traveling and music. She especially loved her students, the Astros and the Texas Aggies.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Cowan was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 49 years, Carl “Blondie” Cowan and her brothers, Carroll, Harry and Phillip Yaws. Survivors include her nieces and nephews, Phyllis and Scott Stegner, Carol and Joe Roddy, Neil and Irene Yaws and Marsha and Steve Dyer; her great nieces and nephews, Phillip Stegner, Michael Keffales, Elizabeth Cottrell, Scott Yaws and Trey Dyer; her great-great niece, Cali Cottrell; her god children, Melissa Zachary Pride and Marion Zachary and her many special friends.
Funeral services will be conducted 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 31, 2008, at First Baptist Church of Alta Loma with Pastor John Newton officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday in the chapel of Hayes Funeral Home.
Those who wish to honor Mrs. Cowan’s memory may consider memorials in the form of donations to the Van Fund at First Baptist Church of Alta Loma so that her memory may continue to travel on, or to the Elizabeth Yaws Cowan Memorial Fund, c/o Santa Fe ISD, PO Box 370, Santa Fe, TX, 77510 for the purchase of school supplies for children in need.