Helen Evelyn Cowles

RICHMOND, Ind. – Helen Evelyn Cowles went to her heavenly home surrounded by her family on Friday, September 19, 2014 at Friends Fellowship Community in Richmond, Indiana. She was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, on May 20, 1914, the daughter of the late Elmer L. and Ruby P. Wilson. Helen is survived by several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Horton Cowles her sisters Doris Nickel and Rosemary Kiersztyn, her nephew Jim Nickel and her niece Jeanne Elliott. Helen worked in the Cost Department at NATCO for many years. After retirement she continued to serve as the Secretary/Treasurer of the 25 Year Club, a NATCO retiree group. She was a member of Women of the Moose and served as President of the Business and Professional Women’s Club. She later received the honor of being chosen “Business Woman of the Year” for her contributions to her profession. Helen was more than a fifty year, faithful member of the Second Presbyterian Church which later merged with First Presbyterian Church of Richmond. She served as an elder, a deacon and a member of “Church Session”, the governing board of her church. Many remember Helen as a gifted and accomplished artist who exhibited her talents through a large variety of paintings. She also shared her artistic gifts by creating many of the backdrops for Richmond Civic Theatre for many years. Her training took place at John Herron School of Art and Design in the 1930’s. Helen never stopped learning. She enjoyed reading National Geographic and other cultural magazines. Her love of animals, especially horses, was evident. She often talked about her horse, Jet, that she once owned and adored. During her life, she has cared for countless numbers of dogs and cats. In her later years she loved to go to the pond at Friends Fellowship Community and feed her duck friends and watch the birds inside the aviary. Visits from family members and from “Bruiser”, her niece’s dog, were often the highlight of her day! Mrs. Cowles loved “puns” and had quite a sense of humor! She celebrated her 100th birthday this past May with many family members in attendance. She received over 50 birthday cards and enjoyed a marvelous day. Helen was the center of attention at yearly family birthday parties and holiday celebrations taking place at Friends Fellowship Community. She always graciously thanked each family member for coming to see her. Aunt Helen was known for her kind, polite and unassuming manner. Aunt Helen had a rather large collection of music boxes and horse figurines. She was a compassionate lady who genuinely cared about others and their welfare. She will be greatly missed by her family and her caretakers who loved her dearly. Calling hours for Helen will be from 12 to 2 p.m. on Thursday, September 25, 2014 with a “Celebration of Life” service at 2 p.m. at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond, Indiana. Pastor David Layman will be officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to: First Presbyterian Church, 100 North 10th Street, Richmond, Indiana 47374. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

Helen Evelyn Cowles

May 20, 1914 - September 19, 2014