116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Obituaries
The Gazette publishes obituaries on a daily basis. Use the search field above to search for obituaries by name or keyword. Readers can submit an obituary or submit a milestone to The Gazette. The obituary must be submitted before 1 p.m. for publication on thegazette.com at 6 p.m. and in the daily edition the next day, with the exception of obituaries for Sunday publication, which must be submitted by 1 p.m. on Fridays.
Mary Louise Cowguill
Mary Louise Cowguill
Marion
Mary Louise Cowguill, 96, of Marion, Iowa, and formerly of Packwood, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023, at the Views Senior Living in Marion, Iowa. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023, at the Prairie View Church, Ollie, Iowa, with Pastor Steve Lamb officiating. Burial will be held in the Packwood Cemetery immediately following. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023, at the church and last until the time of service.
Mary Louise Cowguill was born on Sept. 30, 1926, in Galesburg, Ill., to Lester and Amy Hoyer Tinkham. She attended Cameron Country School before graduating from Galesburg High School. She went on to further her education at Iowa State University, graduating with a degree in Home Economics. Upon graduation she began working for the Henry County Extension Office. Mary met the love of her life, Jay Cowguill, at a dance in Sigourney, Iowa. They began their life together as husband and wife on Sept. 3, 1950. Mary and Jay became the loving parents of two children, David and Curt. They raised their children on their family farm near Packwood where Mary was a hardworking farmwife. She managed everything around the home as well as helping with anything needed on the farm. Mary and Jay would remain by each other’s side for 72 years until Jay’s death in 2022. Mary was a seamstress and member of the Sew & Sew Club, as well as being a gifted poet and music lover. Her universe revolved around her family and her true joy came from being in their presence. Mary’s heart was full of love and had no room for negative thoughts of others. She will be deeply missed by her family.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jay Cowguill (2022); and three siblings, Virginia Riekse, Theodore Tinkham and Alyce Brown.
Left to honor her memory are her two sons, David (Gloria) Cowguill of Marion, Iowa, and Curt Cowguill of Pittsburg, Kan.; a grandson, Andrew Cowguill; as well as many extended family and friends.
Memorial contributions in Mary’s honor may be directed to the Prairie View Church, Packwood Christian Church, or to the American Cancer Society. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Daily Newsletters