Leah Cowhick
June 5, 1918 ~ August 31, 2010
Leah Cowhick, 92, of Aberdeen and formerly of Cresbard, passed away Tuesday, August 31, 2010 at Avera St. Luke's Hospital in Aberdeen.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, September 3, 2010 at the Cresbard United Methodist Church with Rev. Julie Nygaard officiating. Burial followed at the DeVoe Cemetery, rural Cresbard. Visitation was held from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, September 2, 2010 at the church.
Leah Ruth Cowhick (Cunningham) was born June 5, 1918 to Charles and Laura (Pratt) Cunningham on a farmstead southeast of Cresbard. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Cresbard. She also attended the First United Methodist Church in Aberdeen after moving to Aberdeen in 2003.
On October 25, 1937 she married her childhood sweetheart, Herbert Cowhick. They had 67 glorious years together. They were lifetime singing partners and had sung for many of their friend’s celebrations and services.
Leah was a very strong, spiritual, witty, and dignified lady who remained extremely sharp up to the very end. She enjoyed many passions: her immediate and extended family, farming, shopping, music, cards, cooking, travelling domestically and internationally, following tennis and golf, church and community activities. At 91 she acquired a computer and enjoyed receiving emails and pictures from her family and friends.
Leah aspired from an early age to be a chuck wagon cook. Although times changed and she wasn’t able to realize those dreams she did fulfill a lifetime of masterfully prepared meals and delicacies. She was renowned for ‘throwing’ a meal together that was absolutely delicious. She had her ‘unique’ recipes stored in her head and no one could duplicate nor prepare them as well as Leah. Her homemade fudge and cinnamon rolls topped the list.
Leah played the piano and organ at church for many years. She was the Grand Organist for the Eastern Star and shared this love of music with residents at retirement and assisted living facilities. She passed this passion for music down the family genes with many family members pursuing musical interests and careers.
She had a passion for farming and so loved to keep up on the agricultural industry. Many times Leah and Herbert dropped their own work to help someone else. She was always on top of farming programs and interested and concerned for the local farmers.
She wouldn’t pass an opportunity to play cards with family or friends be it bridge, spades, pinochle, whist, or go fish with great grand children. When questioning her three year old grandson about ‘stacking the deck’, she was told “Be thankful for what you have” – and she was.
Her memory will be cherished by her three daughters: Lorene Veatch of Cresbard, Karolyn (James) Perry of Las Vegas, NV, and Cyndy (Larry) Schaunaman of Houston, TX. She was very proud of her six grandchildren and found joy in her 13 great grandchildren. She is survived by one sister, Rosalie Bowar of Cresbard, and one brother Milton Cunningham of Wadena, MN.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband Herbert Cowhick, and two brothers Ernest (Ernie) Cunningham and Charles Robert (Babe) Cunningham.
Special thanks to the doctors, nurses and hospital staff at Avera St Luke’s Hospital for their compassionate care.
Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with Leah's arrangements.
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Dear Karolyn & Lorene and the entire rest of the family, My sincere sympathy to you all. Everything written about your mom is so true and I couldn’t agree more or write it up better. She was and shall always be a sweetheart! It was so much fun and peaceful, too, to visit your home during high school days. You are in our prayers. Love, Marilyn and Len
Our deepest sympathies on the passing of your mother.
Your mother was such a wonderful person. She cared for everyone and was a hallmark of courtesy and friendliness.
It is sad indeed that the benovelent and caring matrons of old Devoe are passing on. Your mother was among the most and best of them.
I very fondly remember the many times our families spent together when we were all youngsters just beginning and growing up on our farms.
Your mother was there when anyone needed her…whether it was trying to swim or water ski in the creek just east of your farm, as a band mother, as one of the church leaders in Devoe, or just as a friend.
Both of your parents cared so much for fellow members of the community. Your parents were THE family that came to Pierre when my dad was nearing his end. Your parents were among the very first visitors my father had in the hospital after the house fire. Your parents were the ones to sing at my grandmother’s funeral —- my mother said it was the last time they sang together for a funeral. It was a difficult performance but I very distinctly remember them singing “The Beautiful Isle of Somewhere.”
They both meant so very much to me, to our family and to our community. Our deepest sympathies are with you. We hope you enjoy the memories of your parents.
With deepest love and affection to all of you,
Harold & Joyce Way
You’ll always remember, as I saw when we were at the Aberdeen mall for NOrthern Honor Band, you were a great loving woman that many will miss and remember all the good times they had with you. Let you be bless to watch over those you love and care about.
May you find comfort in knowing others care..and knowing your mom is with your dad singing beautiful hymns in heaven. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sherry Fix
With deepest sympathy in for your loss. I know she will be greatly missed by all.
Losing parents is very difficult. We know they are in a happier safer place. But it is still so sad to see them go for now. Leah was a classmate of my mother and a high school friend. Leah cheered everyone up with a glowing smile and a cheerful word. And it was rewarding to comfort her. Our comfort now is in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Our sympathy to the family
To the family of Leah
Leon and I so enjoy Leah and Herb over the years of knowing them. Had heard them sing many times at gatherings.
Know that they are both in heaven looking down on you and may God Bless your family.
Cyndy & family,
Just returned home from a weeks vacation at the State Fair and read of your mother’s passing. Leah was one fantastic lady and I always enjoyed running into her in Miller on occasion. Years ago! She would always update me on your family, Cyndy. Again that has been many years ago! Cyndy, I miss you and think of you often. Peg Christiansen fills me in when I see her. I will always cherish the good times I had on the Cowhick farm and my friendship with your family. Would love to hear from you sometime…Love, Debbie