Betty Rumiser Cowan

Betty Rumiser Cowan, 86, of Washington, died Sunday, April 6, 2008, in Donnell House, following a one and a half year illness. She was born May 15, 1921, in Salsbury, Somerset County, a daughter of Calvin and Ella Reitz Rumiser. After graduating from high school, Mrs. Cowan attended Penn Commercial for two years. She previously was employed at Pro Am Helmets and Tygart Valley Glass, and as a bookkeeper at Moreland Vault. Mrs. Cowan was a member of Fourth Presbyterian Church, where she was active in the choir and with various church groups and church projects. She enjoyed bingo. On August 2, 1953, she married Walter B. Cowan, who died July 25, 1993. Surviving is a daughter Anita Cowan (Dennis) Deal of Washington. Deceased are five sisters, Thelma Pickens, Florence Rumiser, Mary Swauger, Grace Ghrist and Dorothy Ankener. Friends will be received 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 11: 00 a.m. Thursday, April 10, 2008, with Rev. Dr. Susan VandeKappelle officiating.