Phyllis Rae (Hurst) Cowden, age 82, went to be with our Lord on April 6th, after a full and extraordinary life. She will be held forever in the hearts of her family - especially her loving husband of 62 years, Ron: daughter Veronica (Roni) Fischer (Scott), sons Scott and Craig Cowden (Tara); grandchildren Kelsea and Connor Fischer, Camrin, Carson, and Cager Cowden. She was preceded in death by her grandson, Ryan Fischer and her parents, Tom and Mildred Hurst.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Phyllis was a lifelong educator and advocate who cared deeply about her family, her faith, her community, and the education of her students.

She received her bachelor's degree in education at Western Michigan University, which is where she met her husband, Ron. At age 19, (skipped two grades), she began teaching AP English courses at both Livonia Bentley and Stevenson High Schools.

She received her master's degree in Guidance and Counseling at Eastern Michigan University. Over the following years, she held positions as middle school, high school, and community college counselor. When Ron was the Principal at Traverse City Central High School, she was pursued by Old Kent Bank to become their corporate training officer where she stayed until Ron retired in Michigan but accepted a new position at a high school in Columbia, South Carolina. Phyllis again entered the world of Guidance counseling where she became the Guidance Counselor at Irmo High School and ultimately completed her career as the Director of Guidance and Counseling for the Columbia School District. Upon final retirement, Ron and Phyllis split their time between their lake house in Bear Lake, Michigan and their condominium in Sun City Center, Florida.
Serving her community was a vital part of Phyllis's life. She served in numerous leadership positions. She was an appointed member of the Livonia Sewer & Water Commission; a 2-term trustee at West Shore Community College; PTA President; Manistee Country Club Board of Directors; President of Trigenta in Bear Lake, Michigan: and President of PEO in which she was a 50 plus year member of this nationwide philanthropic educational organization promoting and mentoring women in education, leadership, and personal growth. This organization was a common thread woven throughout her life.

She has maintained a lifetime interest in Republican state and local politics, enjoyed attending University of Michigan football games, a true golf enthusiast, a formidable pickleball player, a dog lover, and keeping Ron organized!

Phyllis's faith in God was solid and unshakeable. She loved her family deeply and adored spending her time with them most. She had a warm spirit that impacted her community, and we know Phyllis is enjoying Heaven with her beloved grandson, Ryan, in a way that we can only imagine. She will be greatly missed here on earth!

Memorials in Phyllis's name may be directed to the Ryan Fischer Legacy Scholarship. (ryanfischer.org)

Memorial Services will be held Sunday, June 29, 2025 at 1:00 PM at the First Congregational Church in Manistee followed by a Celebration of Life from 3:00 to 4:30 PM at the Manistee Golf & Country Club.