Sondra Sue Cowan

Sondra S. (Patton) Cowan 84 died August 23, 2024, at her Newton residence on the farm. She was born October 27, 1939, in Walton, Kansas to Glen and Josie (Mishler) Patton. On April 4, 1973, she married Bruce A. Cowan at Walton, and he survives of the home. 

Sondra was a member of the Walton United Methodist Church and attended Salem United Methodist Church and First United Methodist Church both in Newton. She was a 1957 graduate of Walton High School. She graduated from Bethel College and Wichita State University where she earned a master’s degree.

She was a retired elementary school teacher for the Newton School District. Teaching at Northridge, McKinley and Slate Creek in her career. Following her retirement, she worked as an aide at the Walton Rural Life Center. Sondra enjoyed being outside and the farm life. Sondra is fondly remembered by her students for her care and patience. She was often recognized in the Newton area by her former students and would reminisce about the memories they had. 

She enjoyed her vegetable garden. Many times, the vegetables never made it inside as she would eat them while she picked them. She also relaxed with coloring books. Her greatest joy was her family, especially her grandkids Taysley and Tate. Many memories were made driving her grandkids to pre-school and spending time cooking or baking cookies together. Through the years she also raised yellow labs and loved caring for her horses. 

Sondra is survived by her husband Bruce of the home; son and daughter in law Tom and Tonya Cowan and grandkids Taysley and Tate; brother/sister-in-law Alice and Ed Stahl and Lois Markley; brother Mike Patton; sisters Delores Rieck and Diana Patton.

She is preceded in death by their son Mike Cowan and Brother-in-Law John Markley.

A memorial service will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, August 31, 2024, at Walton United Methodist Church with Pastor Ashli Teel presiding. A visitation with the family be 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Petersen Funeral Home Friday August 30, 2024. Private Family burial will be in the Walton Cemetery at a later date. 

In Lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Walton United Methodist Church or Good Shepherd Hospice and left in care Petersen Funeral Home.