Cloudy and Windy, 55° F
(Feb. 23, 2006)
Nell Nicholson Cowgill McEachron died Thursday, Feb. 23 in Powell at the age of 89.
She was born on her parents’ farm in Burlington on Oct. 7, 1916. She spent her childhood on the farm, enjoying the experiences and close family ties of farm life. Her love of all things in nature, including flowers, bird and animals of all kinds, remained with her throughout her life, as did her love of music and books. She was a life-long learner, an avid reader, who listened to books on tape after her eyesight kept her from reading. She become a computer whiz and communicated with family and friends through e-mail well into her 80s.
She was a wonderful musician, playing violin, accordion and piano, a source of enjoyment not only for her, but also for many others through the years.
She had three brothers, Raymond, Kenneth and William, who preceded her in death, and one sister, Elizabeth Enes, who resides in Powell at Rocky Mountain Manor. She was Nell’s “next door neighbor.”
She died peacefully, and only in the past few months had she developed medical problems.
She was married to William H. Cowgill, who pre-deceased her in November 1978. They had four children, Elizabeth, who died soon after birth; Anita (Kison) and her husband, Robert of Titusville, Fla.; Edwin Cowgill and his partner Cathy Wolfrum of Spokane, Wash.; and Keith Cowgill and his wife Janet of Sedona, Ariz. Seven grandchildren gave her joy: Mark, Lisa, Chad, Melissa, Christopher, Janelle and Ross. She had one great-grandchild, Isak from Shoreline, Wash., whom she cherished.
She was also blessed with two special nieces, Alana VanGrinsven and Elaine Wirth, who live in Powell and Cody respectively. They and their husbands, Tim and Steve, were very loving in their support of her and treated her more like their mother than an aunt. She often remarked of her gratitude for all they had done for her.
Nell will be remembered by many in the Big Horn Basin as a fine pianist who gave countless hours to the community, playing at a variety of functions. She played regularly for the residents of Rocky Mountain Manor where she lived. Her music has now been silenced, but knowing Nell, she is just waiting somewhere to sit down and entertain someone.
Nell was married in February 1980 to Howard McEachron who also preceded her in death. Howard played the banjo, and they had many memorable moments together, playing music for friends and acquaintances.
Nell’s wishes were to be cremated and that no public services be held. The family will honor her wishes. Thompson Funeral Home of Powell is assisting with arrangements.
For those who wish, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to the Rocky Mountain Manor Memorial Fund, 140 N. Cheyenne, Powell, WY 82435.
