Sandra "Sandi" Cowles

Sandra "Sandi" Cowles, long-time Vicksburg resident passed away on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at the age of 82. She was born in Fort Smith, AR on July 2, 1943, to Bernhard and Thelma (King) Pedersen. She is leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and cherished memories.

Her parents met when her father, an immigrant from Norway, was stationed at Fort Smith, training in the Army during WWII. Her mother was a tall, God-fearing daughter of farmers, just north of Fort Smith. After the war ended her dad came home and the little family moved to Charlotte, MI where he'd lived prior to the war. In 1946 her sister Selma was born.

Her folks bought a house in Bellevue and Sandi grew up in a loving home, attending school in Bellevue - graduating in 1961. Faith was very important to her; she regularly attended Bellevue Assembly of God with her parents. She was also studious and musical - enjoying reading and playing clarinet in the band, as well as taking piano lessons.

On June 29, 1962, she married Aaron Lynn Cowles, they met over the telephone through his younger brother Jon and her sister. They had a long and fruitful marriage that produced three sons, David (Erica) of New Market, TN, Steven (Chris) of Vicksburg, MI, and Eric (Ruth) of Scotts, MI.

Sandi played piano at Vicksburg Assembly of God (now "Grace Community") for many years. She enjoyed games, reading and music and was a fine dessert cook, her specialty being pies of all sorts.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

She is survived by her sons and her grandchildren, Nancy and Kathryn Cowles, Brian and Zakk Goodwin, and Jordan Miller and one sister: Selma Schuring, of Battle Creek.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 16th, at 2pm at Lakeland Reformed Church, 10442 South Sprinkle Road, Vicksburg. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Her ashes will be interred at Boughton Cemetery.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign her guestbook and/or share your favorite memory with her family.

The Cowles family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 409 South Main Street, Vicksburg, MI 49097 (269) 649-1697.