Barbara Vio Cowley

Barbara Cowley, 88 years of age, passed away on July 31, 2019 at her home in Montague. Barbara was born on March 31, 1931 in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was married to Irvin Jack Cowley, M.D. She is survived by her husband and seven children and their spouses (Kathryn, Cindy, Dave & Colleen, Steve & Val, Brian & Diane, Gordon, Brent & Debbie.) She has 24 grandchildren including their spouses and seven great grandchildren. There are 43 surviving descendants. As a young adult, Barbara went to the University of Utah, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Education. While a student at the University of Utah, she was yearbook editor, on the debate team and President of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority. She married Jack Cowley and they moved to Washington D.C. while he attended George Washington University Medical School. After his graduation, they moved to Los Angeles where he completed his residency and specialization in Ophthalmology. Barbara taught night school and raised her children during this time. After the completion of Jack’s residency, they moved to Sacramento. During their time in Sacramento, both Jack and Barbara developed a passion for ranching. Barbara and Jack moved to Siskiyou County in 1988 where Barbara immediately immersed herself in a variety of community services, including the 4H organization, the Cattle Women’s organization and Beef Ambassadors where she served in a variety of leadership roles locally, regionally and nationally. She was also involved teaching thousands of hours of “Ag in the Classroom” throughout California. She was instrumental in the educational program of “Create-a-Cow” for the Siskiyou County Fair for several years. She also volunteered at Fairchild Medical Center in Yreka. In addition, she served in a variety of volunteer roles for many non-profit organizations. Barbara professed her love for her Savior Jesus Christ and valued her family above all else. Barbara loved working and serving in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She served in several callings including the Primary, Young Women’s Organization and the Relief Society. Barbara loved spending time with family, riding horses, serving and encouraging others and promoting agricultural education. She was an optimist, enthusiast and an inspiration to many. She was a loving and caring person, devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend; always thinking of others first. “To know her was to love her.” Friends and members of the community are welcome to attend a Celebration of Life service on Monday, August 5, 2019 at 10:00 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1001 W. Miner Street in Yreka. Light refreshments will be served afterwards in the church Cultural Hall. A private family graveside service will be held at the Little Shasta Cemetery.

Barbara Vio Cowley

March 31, 1931 - July 31, 2019