Elizabeth A. Cowles

July 7, 1917 - January 19, 2015 Elizabeth (Betty) Cowles of Applewood, born July 7, 1917 in Glens Falls, NY to John Howard Akin and Cordleta Braydon, died peacefully in her home on January 19, 2015.  She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Bill Cowles. She grew up in Syracuse, NY where she graduated from Eastwood High School in 1935 and Syracuse University in 1940. She taught Home Economics in Mexico, NY before marrying Bill at Hendricks Chapel on Syracuse University campus in June 1942. They lived in Greenwich Village, NYC; Barberton, OH; a log cabin in Huntington, WV; Sharp Park, CA (while Bill was in the Navy); Syracuse; and Ossining, NY. While in the east, Betty and Bill spent summers with their five children in Wolfeboro, NH on beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee. They were transferred to Colorado in 1960. Betty established the Applewood Valley Nursery School in 1969, where she was director and teacher for twenty two years. During this time she served on the Governor's Council for Early Childhood Education. She was president of the Applewood Valley United Methodist Women; served on numerous church committees; and was president of Wheat Ridge High School PTA. Betty participated in Applewood Soiree Dance Club, several bridge clubs, a quilting group, and Bible study. She loved skiing, boating on Lake Granby, dancing with her Bill, baking with granddaughters, traveling, and spending time with with friends and family in Grand Lake and Vail. Betty loved seeing children she'd known as three and four year olds later on as adults. Betty is survived by five children: Jeanne E. Koss of Colorado Springs, John H. Cowles, Cynthia A. Alyea of Arvada, William A. Cowles III  (wife Susan) of Palisade, and Charles A. Cowles (wife Cheryl) of Applewood, eleven grandchildren, twenty two great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held 27 January 11:00 am at Applewood Valley United Methodist Church, 2035 Ellis Street Golden, CO 80401. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Collier Hospice Center, www.exempla.org/hospice.