Joy McCallum Cowles, 97, of North Plate, NE passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at Linden Court. Joy was born to Frank Vern and Bertha Jane (Barnes) McCallum on September 16, 1926 at the McCallum Ranch north of Wauneta, NE. She grew up on the ranch, and graduated from Wauneta High School in 1943.
Joy was married to Richard Otis Cowles in 1947. Together they had 2 daughters, Peggy and Cindy. Joy was actively involved in her daughters' activities, including being on the Guardian Council of Job's Daughters. She worked in the bank and in offices as a bookkeeper. In 1972 the family moved to Trenton, NE where she worked in a tax preparation office and later ran a tax preparation business. She was an active member of the Wauneta Methodist Church and Trenton Congregational Church. Joy enjoyed serving on the election board in both communities. Joy was a very good cook and was especially known for her homemade pies and cinnamon rolls. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Joy was predeceased by her parents, Vern and Bertha, and her husband of 63 years, "Dick".
Those left to cherish Joy's memory are her daughters Peggy (Rand) Levy of Champion, NE, and Cindy (Tim) Litz of North Platte; grandchildren Jamie (Matt) Nutt, Jordan Warner, Mick (Taylor) Litz, and Angie (Jon) Gamble; great grandchildren Coby Uhlig, Braxton, Breelynn, Kinsley and Stetson Litz; brother Clint (Betty) McCallum of Wauneta, and special friend Mary Hepburn.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Trenton Congregational Church or Nebraska Children's Home Society Foundation.
Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on August 19, 2024, at Fort McPherson National Veterans Cemetery near Maxwell with Pastor Goeff Safford officiating. The memorial book will be available to sign on Friday, August 16, 2024, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at Carpenter Memorial Chapel which has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.carpentermemorial.com.