Lola Gayle Cowden

Lola Gayle (Leaf) Cowden, age 87, of Menahga, MN, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at the Greenwood Connections Nursing Home, Menahga, MN, with her family by her side.

Lola Gayle Leaf was born on August 8,1938, in Grandy, MN. She was the daughter of Carl and Hazel (Nelson) Leaf, Sr. She grew up in Richfield, MN, with her parents and three siblings. Lola graduated from Richfield High School with the class of 1956, and was active in Pep Club, GAA, Office Help, Gym Help, and Special Spartans.

On August 28, 1965, Lola was united in marriage to Ernest Cowden. They lived in Bloomington, MN, until they moved to Menahga, MN, in 1979 where they made their forever home and raised their two boys. Lola was very active at Redeemer Lutheran Church where she attended women’s bible study, was active with many committees, and the quilting group. She worked as a bank teller at First National Bank of Menahga for 25 years from where she retired in 2004.

Lola loved and cared for her family deeply. She enjoyed spending time with all of her family at the Leaf, Palm, Wood, and Cowden Christmas get-togethers. This was a special tradition and meant the world to her to carry on the legacy of her parents. She and Ernie also loved taking trips with Bob and Jan and other family to visit the North Shore. She enjoyed camping and sitting around the campfire, making hobos and s’mores. In the spring and summer, Lola enjoyed attending to all of her plants and loved watching them bloom and grow on the deck. Lola and Ernie cared for many pets over the years, most recently Snuggles and Miss Kitty. Lola loved sports, especially watching and cheering for the MN Twins and Vikings on TV. She enjoyed attending one of the last Twins games at the Metrodome.

Lola’s two grandchildren meant so much to her. They were her biggest pride and joy. She loved playing games and cards with them and enjoyed attending their sporting events. They could do no wrong in her eyes.

Blessed be her memory.

Lola is survived by her husband of 60 years, Ernie Cowden of Menahga; 2 children, Chris (Carolyn) of Menahga and Bill (Sue) of Marshall; and grandchildren, Andrew and Kelsey; as well as many loving nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Hazel Leaf Sr.; brother, Bob Leaf; sisters, Shirley Palm and Nancy Wood; sister-in-law, Jan Leaf; and brother-in-law, Larry Palm.

A Memorial Celebration of Life will be held on December 13, 2025, at Cardini Funeral Home in Menahga, MN, from 11am – 2pm with a short service and sharing of memories at 1pm. Inurnment will take place at Menahga City Cemetery