Ruby Cowen

Ruby Cowen, 60, of Atlantic, Iowa, died Thursday, June 3, 2021, at Atlantic Specialty Car

Ruby Ellen was born on March 3, 1961, in Atlantic, Iowa, the daughter of LeRoy Elmer and Berneice Viola (Bishop) Starlin. Growing up she was active in 4-H and won several blue ribbons at the Cass County Fair for her sewing and baking. A favorite pastime was playing on the local baseball team and skating at Platime Roller Rink. As a child the family had horses and this is where her interest in them began.

In 1978, she was united in marriage to Donald Cowen in Elk Pointe, South Dakota, and the couple was together for 25 years. They were blessed with three daughters, Tara, Amanda and Cora. Following their marriage, they lived in the Atlantic and Lewis areas before moving to Rembrandt, Iowa, in 1986. Ruby worked at the Buena Vista County Recycling Center in Storm Lake, and retired after over 20 years due to her Multiple Sclerosis progressing. Ruby returned home to Atlantic in 2018, and resided at Atlantic Specialty Care.

Ruby loved to crochet and made countless blankets for family and friends. She was an “auction-a-holic” and seemed to always have an eye out for oil lamps. Her girls remember going along for the adventure and helping her carry her many treasures to the car. In addition to her auction finds she also collected horses, Native American pieces, Budweiser steins, and Harley Davidson memorabilia. She was a member of a bowling league for many years and from time to time her daughters would bowl with her. Ruby had a knack for baking; her pies, which she made for days prior to the 4th of July pie auction went for big bucks. She also made a tasty no bake cookie.

She looked forward to spending time with her family; especially her grandkids. Ruby was quite the “wild child” most of her life and in later years enjoyed having a good time with friends.
Ruby is survived by her daughters, Amanda (Nathan) Haack and Cora Cowen, all of Emmetsburg, Iowa; grandchildren, Brayden, Averie, Tyler, KayLynn, Logan, Emily and Andrea; sisters, Julia (Jeff) Purcell of Omaha, Nebraska and Lynda Ihrke of Atlantic, Iowa; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her father, LeRoy Starlin; mother and step-father, Berneice and Wayne Ihrke; daughter, Tara Konrady; maternal grandparents, Merwin and Ruby Bishop; and paternal grandparents, Earl and Ellen Starlin and Hazel and James Earvin.

Funeral services will be held at 12:30 p.m., Friday, June 11th at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic. Burial will be in Southlawn Memory Gardens in Atlantic. Visitation, with the family present, will be held prior to the service at the funeral home, starting at 11:00 a.m.

Memorials may be directed to the family for designation at a later date.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Ruby’s family and her arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com

In Loving Memory Of

Ruby Cowen

BORN
March 3, 1961 - Atlantic, Iowa

ENTERED INTO REST
June 3, 2021 - Atlantic, Iowa

At the age of 60 years & 3 months

FUNERAL SERVICE
Friday, June 11, 2021
Roland Funeral Home - Atlantic, Iowa

OFFICIANT
Pastor Heather Santi-Brown
United Church of Christ - Atlantic, Iowa

RECORDED MUSICAL SELECTIONS
“I’ll Be Missing You” by Puff Daddy
“Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” by Guns N’ Roses

CASKET BEARERS
Jeff Purcell
Nathan Haack
Michael Solomon
Keith Williams
Grant Purcell
Tyler Kraai
Jesse Gierke
Brayden Haack

HONORARY CASKET BEARERS
George Solomon
Kim Kramer

INTERMENT
Southlawn Memory Gardens - Atlantic, Iowa

Memorials may be made to the family for designation at a later date.

The family will be gathering for lunch at The Downtowner,
222 Chestnut Street. Friends and relatives are welcome to come and
visit following the service. Lunch will be available for $9 per plate.