Arzella Cowen

Arzella M. Cowen, 101, of Topeka went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 17, 2013 at Plaza West Health Care Center. She was born October 20, 1911 at Pawnee City, NE the daughter of Byron L. and Mary Alma Gish Harrington. Arzella was raised by her mother and step-father, William Waniska. She graduated from high school at Burchard, NE. Arzella moved to Topeka in 1932. She had been a member of First Assembly of God Church. She was a housewife and mother in the early years of her marriage, always a hard worker and worked at Seymour Foods, Bobo s Drive In for 15 years and later at St. Francis Hospital where she worked in the housekeeping department for over 30 years, retiring when she was 80 years old. She loved fishing, gardening, garage sales, was a champion at Scrabble and other challenging games. She had a strong will and a great sense of humor. On July 4, 1933 she married Amos Cowen in Topeka. Amos passed away in 1992. Survivors include her daughter, Elizabeth Rouviere of Topeka; son, Gerald Cowen and wife Cheryl of Topeka; 12 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death sons by Ralph Cowen of Overbrook in August of 2008, Ronald Cowen of Topeka in October of 2006; one grandson, James Rouievre in July of 2004; one brother, LaVerne Waniska and one sister, Betty Sovern also precede her. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, January 21, 2013 at Davidson Funeral Home. The family will receive friends on Monday from 9:30 10:30 am prior to the service at the funeral home. Private interment will be in Topeka Cemetery. Arzella M. Cowen