Bonnie L. Cowden

Bonnie L. Cowden, 81, of Cross Creek Township, passed away peacefully Saturday, September 13, 2025, in Washington Hospital. She was born March 22, 1944, in Washington, a daughter of the late Homer and Mildred Miller Dunkle. Bonnie was a 1962 graduate of Avella High School and a member of the Hickory U.E.P. Church. Over the years, she worked for Brown's Orchard and Wagner's Greenhouse, in the office of her husband's business, Van Cowden Electric, and on the family farm, where her love of farming shone through. She was a former 4-H leader, a member of the Old Schoolhouse Players, the Burgettstown Library Quilters, and the Washington County Sheep and Wool Growers. Bonnie enjoyed reading, sewing, and quilting. To receive a quilt from "Aunt Bonnie" was a treasured gift, one stitched with love and care. On February 17, 1962, she married Clair Van Eman "Van" Cowden Jr., who preceded her in death June 30, 2024. Surviving are two sons, Mark A. Cowden and Eric (Debra) Cowden, both of Cross Creek Township; three grandchildren, Jordan (Courtney) Humphrey, Eric Cowden, and Halea (Kyle) Sherman; two great-grandchildren, Everett and Scarlett Sherman; and several nieces and nephews. Deceased, in addition to her husband and parents, are two brothers, Lloyd and Donald Dunkle; and a sister, Mary Haney. Throughout her illness, Bonnie was surrounded by a vast network of love and support. Her family is especially grateful to her daughter-in-law, Debbie Cowden, and her dear friend, Sherry Strnisa, whose care and devotion provided strength and comfort during this time. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, September 19, in the McIlvaine-Speakman Funeral Home, Ltd., Robert K. McIlvaine, owner/supervisor, 27 Cherry Avenue, Houston, PA 15342, and from 9 to 10 a.m., the hour of service, Saturday, September 20, in Hickory U.E.P. Church, 210 Main Street, Hickory, PA 15340. Private interment will follow in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. Condolences may be left for the family by viewing the obituary at www.mcilvaine-speakman.com