Mildred Ruth Cowan, nee Richardson, of Cuba, Missouri, was born on April 12, 1920 at Steelville, MO to the union of George "Ibe" Richardson and Grace Marie Richardson, nee Terry. she departed this life on August 14, 2009 at the age of 89, at Gibbs Care Center in Steelville, MO. On August 7, 1937, she was united in marriage to Austin B. Cowan of Bourbon, MO. They were happily married for fifty-three years until Austin's death on July 4, 1991. Others who have preceded her in death include her parents; five brothers, Frank, Tom, Clarence, Bill and Walter; six sisters, Edith, Pearl, Oma, Vera, Ima Lee and Goldie Richardson; one daughter, Janet and husband C. C. Hunt. Her surviving family includes her son, Jim and wife Ruth Cowan of Ellisville, MO; grandchildren, Susan Williams, Sandra Cowan, James and Sandra Cowan, Sharon and Terry Blauvelt, Philip Hunt, Kevin and Tina Hunt, and Monya and Darrel Clifton; twelve great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and cousins. Mildred accepted the Lord and was baptized in 1947. She was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Cuba, MO for fifty-four years and later joined Steelville First Baptist Church on entering Gibbs Care Center. She loved to sing and enjoyed country music. She wrote poetry and had a news column in the Cuba Free Press. Mildred also liked to cook and can items from her garden. Mildred was raised in Cherry Valley, south of Steelville and often spoke of her growing up on a farm. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, sister, aunt and a good friend to all who knew her. She will be sadly missed. Visitation was from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2009 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, MO. A graveside service was held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 16, 2009 at the Cherry Valley Cemetery in Steelville, MO with Rev. Jerry Beers officiating. Special music of "When They Ring Those Golden Bells" was sung and played on guitar by Rev. Jerry Beers. The Family was served by the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home of Steelville, MO.