Kitty Cowden

Obituary
Kathleen "Kitty" Real Syfan Cowden, 71, of Kerrville, Texas, passed away on July 24, 2024. Born October 25, 1952, in Kerrville, Texas where she grew up on the family ranch in Mountain Home, Texas. Kitty was a beloved figure in her community, known for her vibrant spirit and generous heart.
Kitty graduated from Junction High School in 1970. While in high school, she was a twirler and coronet player in the band. She was a member of the 4-H Club where she showed commercial breeding sheep and cattle. She enjoyed running barrels and attending Crider's Rodeo and Dancehall while in high school. Kitty went on to attend Stephens College where she studied Business Administration. She also traveled abroad where she attended Richmond College in London. She attended the University of Hawaii and later the University of Texas at Austin where she studied Real Estate and Real Estate Law. She also studied Business Administration at Schreiner University in Kerrville.
On May 30, 1976, she married William H. Cowden Jr. at the First Presbyterian Church of Kerrville. Together they raised a loving family in the Texas Hill Country.
Kitty's life was filled with joy derived from her various passions. Kitty was an active member of the community and was involved in many community activities while working and raising her two children. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Kerrville and attended Bible Study Fellowship and was involved with the Children's Corner there. Kitty also enjoyed substitute teaching while her children were younger. Her hobbies included flying with her husband in his Cessna 182, ranching, taking trips with her beloved husband and close friends and spending cherished moments with her grandchildren. She also enjoyed playing bridge in various bridge groups with some of her dearest friends throughout the years. She was an avid supporter of her kids and grandkids in any sport or activity they chose to participate in and made sure they were able to attend any additional training needed for success. She was a member of the Huntsman Ball fundraiser committee.
Kitty began her real estate career at Coldwell Banker, Ron Imel and Associates in Kerrville. In 1999, Kitty partnered with Becky McFadden and opened ReMax of Kerrville that continues to operate here today. In 2000, Kitty became a broker with ReMax Kerrville. Her professional life was marked by a deep commitment to her clients and colleagues, which paralleled her dedication to her family and friends. Kitty was a natural fit for selling real estate as she had learned much early in life from her father, Thomas Syfan, who was also a successful realtor. Kitty was awarded membership to the Hall of Fame and the Platinum Club for ReMax for being a top producer.
Kitty's love for entertaining and cooking made her home a warm and welcoming place. From the time Kitty was in high school she loved to cook. She won the Betty Crocker award in home economics while in high school. Her love of cooking carried on throughout her lifetime. I can promise, you would never go hungry as long as Kitty was around. Kitty always made sure everyone was well fed. Not just her family but their extended family along with any friends who happened to be around at the time. No matter where you were at or how far from home, Kitty could always feed you if you were the least bit hungry. If you knew her, you also knew that she kept the back of her Suburban fully stocked with food, snacks and drinks. If you happened to be cooking when she was around and realized you were out of an ingredient, you could bet Kitty would have it in her Suburban.
Kitty is survived by her husband, William H. Cowden Jr.; daughter, Courtney Cowden Mitchell (Jimmy Mitchell); son, William Cody Cowden (Jessica); and five grandchildren, Weston Cody Mitchell, Jalynn Nichole Mitchell, Cason Cowden Mitchell, Kaitlin Real Mitchell, and Thomas James Cowden, all of Kerrville, TX; two sisters, Cindy Rieck and Sara Dean; as well as eight nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Condell Syfan and Meta Flora Real Syfan.
Memorial services will be held at 1 PM, Monday, July 29, 2024, at First Presbyterian Church of Kerrville.
Kitty's legacy of kindness and generosity will be remembered by all who knew her. To know her was to love her. Thank you for all the love and prayers for our precious mom.