Mary E. Cowles, age 94 of Big Rapids, passed away peacefully, Friday December 23, 2016 at The Brook of Big Rapids. She was born July 22, 1922 in Ithaca the daughter of Fred and Blanche (Morgan) Cowles. Mary was honorably discharged from the United States Airforce serving during World War II. She finished her secondary education by earning a Masters Degree from Michigan State University. Mary came to Big Rapids in 1947 and worked as a teacher/counselor at Big Rapids High School until her retirement. She was a member and past president of the Big Rapids B.P.W., a member of the Eastern Star, Local MARSP, American Legion Post #98 of Big Rapids, a lifetime member of The Crisp Point Historical Society and a member of the First United Methodist Church in Big Rapids. Mary is survived by two nieces, Barbara Mahoney of Park Forest, IL, Susan Bowman of Ohio; a niece-in-law, Betty Cowles of St. Louis, MI and many, many dear friends and caregivers, including; Inge and Chuck Spaulding and their daughter, Karen all of Big Rapids and Deanna Bigler of Colorado. She was preceded in death by her dear friend, Laura Zetterstedt, three brothers, Paul, Claude and Gerold Cowles; three nephews, Paul Jr., Rex and Lee Cowles and a sister, Loretta. Funeral services will take place 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 28th at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids with the Pastor Rebecca Morrison officiating. Marys family and loved ones will greet friends on Tuesday, December 27th from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Pine Plains Cemetery in the spring.

Memorial Contributions in Marys name may be made to The Crisp Point Historical Society, AmVets/American Legion, both in Big Rapids or The First United Methodist Church of Big Rapids. Share a memory of condolence at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com