Jean G. (Gattrell) Cowan

Jean G. Cowan, age 83, of Sebring, passed away June 15, 2019, at Copeland Oaks Medical Center.

She was born September 22, 1935, in Cambridge, Ohio, to Chester W. and Ruth E. (Watson) Gattrell.

Jean Ann was a 1953 graduate of Pleasant City High School in Pleasant City, Ohio, and received a Bachelor of Science in education from Ohio University, in Athens, Ohio. She also did post-graduate work at The Ohio State University and Kent State University. She taught kindergarten for many years retiring in 1985. She subsequently attended Akron University in the early 1980’s majoring in finance, accounting, investing and in income tax work. She had a second career for 15 years, from 1986 to 2001, as the bookkeeper for the Alliance Salvation Army. She did income tax preparations for around 30 years. She was treasurer of the Alliance Music Study Club, Alliance Area Retired Teachers Association, and the PAC club of the Alliance Republican Party. She also did auditing and accounting at her church, Union Avenue United Methodist Church in Alliance.

She was a life member of the Ohio Education Association, Alliance Retired Teachers and the Alliance Historical Society. She sang in her church choir and in the Alliance Senior Citizens Chorus.

Her hobbies included reading, gardening at home, the church, the Salvation Army and for friends and relatives; and also playing the piano and doing jigsaw puzzles.

Her biggest joy later in life was helping people to invest and learn how to do it safely and with small amounts of money.

Survivors include her nephews, Bob Gattrell and Jeff Gattrell and niece, Vickie Gattrell all of Cambridge, Ohio; and several great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, David E. Cowan Jr. whom she married December 27, 1959 and who died April 13, 1978; and a brother, James Gattrell who died May 1, 2017.

Per Jean’s wishes, her body has been donated to the medical school at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio.

A Memorial service is planned for 11 a.m., Saturday, June 22 at Union Avenue United Methodist Church 1843 S. Union Ave. in Alliance with Rev. Dave Andrews officiating.

A second Memorial service is planned for 5 p.m., Saturday, June 22 at Stop Nine Church of Christ 60330 Southgate Rd. Byesville Ohio, 43723 with John Powell officiating.

Arrangements are by Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral Home 75 S. Union Ave., Alliance, OH 44601.