Bonnie Cowan

Bonnie J. Cowan, 87, of Searcy, passed away at home on Jan. 19, 2019. Bonnie was born in Cincinnati, Iowa, Aug. 6, 1931. She was the daughter of Elmer and Ethel (Myers) Dorsett.
On Oct. 3, 1947 she married Gerold D. Cowan in Centerville, Iowa. They lived in Cincinnati, Iowa, until 1958 when they moved to Grinnell, Iowa, where the raised their five children. They owned and operated Cowan Trucking until 1970.
In 1970 Bonnie and her husband moved to Dickinson, Texas, where they owned Cowan's Auto Repair, which Bonnie was the bookkeeper. Among her many accomplishments, she managed a restaurant, obtained her Texas realtor license, and owned two bird aviaries.
In 1982 Bonnie and her husband moved to Judsonia, Ark., where they farmed and raised cattle and 20,000 laying hens. While in Judsonia, Bonnie bred a variety of different dog breeds and rabbits. In 1997 they moved to Searcy, where they retired.
Bonnie was preceeded in death by her husband, Gerold D. Cowan in 1997; son, Gerold D. Cowan in 1989; grandson, Gregory E. Gilbreaith in 1989; two sisters, Leona Peterson and her husband Don, Wanda Trussell and her husband, Van; two brothers, Lloyd and Elmer Dorsett; sister-in-law, Evelyn; one brother-in-law, Robert Conger.
Bonnie possessed a genuine love and compassion for her family and friends. She was not always rewarded for the love and good deeds she did. However, Bonnie always believed in giving all people a chance when no one else would. She gave her love unconditionally to everyone. She was a very loving and trusting mother, grandmother, and friend. She was always available when her children and grandchildren needed her. Her number one accomplishment during her life was the love and care she gave her family. She loved to garden, cook, and bake. If Bonnie was not at home, you could always find her at Walmart. She loved to shop.
Survivors include three daughters and one son, Jeannie Wittneben of Centerville, Iowa, Paulette Johannes of Judsonia, Ark., Valarie Thompson and son-in-law (Del) of Dothan, Ala., Nick Cowan and daughter-in-law (Janelle) of Searcy, Ark.; sisters, Carol Dorsett of Centerville, Iowa, and Donna Conger of Cincinnati, Iowa; 17 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren. Many nieces and nephews.
Bonnie has requested no funeral service. Graveside services with be at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Cincinnati, Iowa.