Mitzi Lou Cowan Roberts entered eternal peace September 27, 2021 in her home surrounded by family. She was a devoted daughter, sister, niece, cousin, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother and friend. Mitzi was born September 18, 1933 in El Paso, Texas to Clarence Millard Cowan and Ruth Marion Frisk who were both of Swedish descent. She spent her early years on the Blue River near Liggett, where her father worked at the saw mill in Reserve. She grew up in Silver City where her dad owned and operated Cowan Lumber Company where the Billy Casper Wellness Center now stands. She attended Western High School and stayed busy as a cheerleader and art student, receiving certifications in oil and pastels. She returned to many reunions with her sister Joyce Thwaits and best friend Beverly Redwine for over 50 years. Mitzi loved life to the fullest, was a fighter to the end and went full speed ahead never looking back.
Mitzi married Russell William Roberts January 18, 1952. Together they built the family home full of life, love, abundant activities and countless backyard gatherings through the years. They were married for 54 years at the time of his passing. Survivors are their children Howard (Elizabeth), David, Denise (Scott) and Kathrine (Edward), her grandchildren, John, Kristen, Desirae, Gentry, Elsa, Brooks, Bruce, and Cameron and loving great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, “adopted” children Jay Huber and Paula Jean Glasper and a host of faithful friends. Also known as Mimi, she was a big supporter of her kids and grandkids’ activities and sports and she was always game for anything.
Mitzi was a working mother and worked many years at American National Bank, Tom McCabe Insurance and Crawford and Olson Insurance before her retirement from Western New Mexico Telephone Company. She treasured the special friendships developed during her career.
Mitzi was a devout Episcopalian and loyal parishioner of Church of Good Shepherd. She was the oldest, longest-standing member at the time of her passing. She served as president of Daughters of the King. Her father built the original cross that stands on top of the church as well as many small wooden crosses given to Acolytes throughout the years. She volunteered her time freely and made food for church functions, the Gospel Mission and Campus Ministry. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star and was a long time Rainbow girl of Silver City Assembly No. 21 serving as both Worthy and Mother Advisors.
Mimi put her heart and soul into everything she undertook and didn’t hesitate to lend a helping hand to those in need. An extremely talented artist, her paintings grace the walls in homes of family and friends. She was also a creative seamstress and made many clothes including dancing costumes, Rainbow formals and wedding gowns and many a cheerleading uniform. Mitzi loved to travel and went on many adventures in the U.S. and abroad with her family, sister and closest friends. Her most recent was a river cruise in Russia. She loved animals and never left a stray behind. Growing up, the family had a pet crow named Pete who allowed you to feed him by hand. There were always pets in the household and Capone, Joey, Husky, Diesel and Taz miss her presence dearly. As the kids grew older, she would gift them with donations for animal charities she was passionate about. She loved her sweets, especially anything chocolate. In earlier years she was a Pittsburgh Steeler fan but converted to the Chargers like most of the family. She loved golf, especially Tiger Woods, until it became “boring” to her and then she preferred watching game shows.
Mitzi had the unequaled grace and patience to endure challenging and unpleasant circumstances. Always a positive attitude, she found the good while others would find negative. She was long-suffering in the toughest of personal difficulties. She carried on, never criticized and always built people up; never tore down.
The family would like to thank family and friends for their outpouring of love and support, both before and after her death, through visits, calls, flowers, food and messages. A special thank you to the staff of Aging with Compassion especially her primary caregiver Janeigh Huber. Much gratitude to Dr. John Stanley for his continued care as her primary physician and Hospice doctor and to all of the affectionate staff at Horizon Hospice for their guidance and support during her long-term care. Lastly, many thanks to the Church of the Good Shepherd and those who faithfully gave her communion and Terrazas Funeral Chapels for coordination of services.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held Saturday, October 16, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd. The service will be streamed through Terrazas Funeral Chapels’ Facebook page if interested. Inurnment of ashes will take place at a later date at the Masonic and Glenwood cemeteries. Honorary pallbearers are John Kennedy, the late Eric Kennedy, Bruce Roberts, Brooks Roberts, Cameron Roberts and Devin Quintana.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to High Desert Humane Society, 3050 Cougar Way, or the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 615 N. Texas St., both in Silver City, NM 88061.
Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory “Trusted care for the ones you love” ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.