Shelby Jean (Ryan) Cowham

Shelby Jean (Ryan) Cowham of Battle Creek, MI

Shelby Jean (Ryan) Cowham, age 78, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Saturday evening, September 19, 2020, at Ascension Borgess Hospital, Kalamazoo, MI. She was born September 15, 1942 in Crawford, TN, the daughter of Ross Austin and Pearl Margaret (Wright) Ryan. The family moved to the Battle Creek area in 1955.

She married Victor Edward Cowham in 1958, who survives along with two daughters, Cynthia (David) Wolfley of Chesterland, OH, and Rebecca Donnell of Battle Creek; son Brian (Tami) Cowham of Battle Creek; 10 grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren. Also surviving are brothers Clay Ryan, Brooks (Penny) Ryan, Doug (Nancy) Ryan all of Battle Creek and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, six brothers; Billy Ryan, Claude Ryan, Jerry Ryan, Keith Ryan, Jack Ryan, Tony Ryan; sister Carol Hinton and her great-granddaughter McKenna Pearl Leach.

Shelby enjoyed attending church at Calvary Baptist, Harper Creek Baptist and Grace Fellowship.

Shelby worked as an accountant controller at V.C. Squires and McElroy Metal for many years.

She enjoyed many hobbies which included counted-cross-stitch, gardening and puzzles, but she always found time to support her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren's many activities. She cherished her family always lending support in celebrations, in achievements, and loved cook-outs with family and friends. She made many counted-cross-stitch works of art for them. She leaves behind many cherished friends.

The memorial service to celebrate Shelby's life will be a family celebration on Monday the 28th of September, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, 1625 Capital Avenue, NE, Battle Creek, MI 49017. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Shelby's honor may be directed to the Arthritis Foundation-Michigan Chapter, 1050 Wilshire Drive, Troy, MI 48084. The Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek is assisting Shelby's family.