Reta Janet Cowan 1932-2025
Reta passed away at Hartney Community Health Centre on September 14, 2025. Reta was predeceased by her husband Art, her brother Lorne, and her daughter Kay. She was a loving Mom, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, and Great Great Grandmother. Her family meant the world to her, and she kept up with each and everyone of them.
Reta grew up on the family farm “Sweet 16” near Deleau Manitoba. She was actively involved in the day-to-day happenings of farm life. Reta got her schooling at Deleau school. She was part of the Deleau 4-H Club, Bethel Church Youth Club, & many Community projects.
After Reta finished her schooling, she worked in the telephone office in Hartney. It was at this time she met Thomas Arthur Cowan, and they married on April 15, 1953. They made a home and life on the Cowan Family Farm Northeast of Hartney. Reta embraced farm life to the fullest. Raising chickens, pigs, cows, and helping with all aspects of grain farming. Reta was frequently spotted behind the wheel of the grain truck.
Hartney was home to Reta. Reta spent 72 years on the farm. She was active in numerous community organisations, including UCW, Royal Purple, and the Hartney Curling Club. Many winter evenings, she could be found in the rink’s booth serving meals.
Life on the farm kept her busy. But she always had time for family and friends. Reta loved to watch her children play sports, ball, hockey, basketball, and figure skating. And in later years she loved watching her many grandchildren and great grandchildren in similar sports. Art and Reta loved to watch hockey from their favorite seats at the rink.
Reta kept up with current affairs and loved to discuss any world events. She kept up with the Toronto Blue Jays and loved to recap the games with her Grandsons.
Reta and Art were married for 67 years. After the children were on their own, they enjoyed travelling. Palm Springs, Florida, Vancouver, Australia, Hawaii, quite often deciding to take off impulsively for a little holiday.
Reta valued spending time with her family and friends. Right up until her last day, she kept wondering what others were doing and what the evening meal would be.
Reta is fondly remembered by her children:
Douglas Arthur (Cathy) Cowan: Kelsey (Andrew); Rhett, Scout. Dane Cowan (Laura); Dylan, Rhett, Stran.
Deborah Marie (Kelvin) Jenkins: Becky (Peter). Trevor (Melanie); Bailey (Ashley), Azelin (Jayden), Carson (Hannah); Betty. Wes. Mason. Meika. Jody; Sophia, Olivia.
Janet Susanne (Dale) McBurney: Maire (Ken); Caden. Meagan (Clint); Cole, Cooper. Morgan (Morgan); Hunter, Sadie.
William Robson (Nina) Cowan: Nick (Bridgid); Avery, Theo, Millie, Laine. Jenna (Mark); Emery, and Finn. Del (Kelsey); Wren, Lowe, and Ollie.
A ceremony honouring Reta’s life took place at the Hartney Centennial Centre on September 22, 2025. A private burial service took place at Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers or cards a donation can be made to the Hartney Rink c/o Municipality of Grassland Box 399 Hartney, Manitoba R0M 0X0.
Condolences to the Cowan family, we always enjoyed visiting with Reta, she was one of a kind, and a truly remarkable lady.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time . Treasure all those special memories.
To the Cowan family – we were so sorry to hear about Reta’s passing. She was a real gem and will be sadly missed. Thinking of you all at this time – take care – Ruth and Trevor
Even though Reta is not with us today
The memories of her will always stay
She loved her family and was proud of each one of you
Keep your fondest memories close, no matter what you do
Remember her dedication watching you at sporting events
To her those were cherished moments , that she spent
She’s up in heaven with Art and Kay
Keeping an eye on you all each and everyday
Those we love don’t go away
They walk beside us each and everyday
Unseen, unheard but always near
Still loved, still missed and very dear
Our thoughts and prayers are with
All of you
Our deepest sympathies to the Cowan families. Reta always had a smile and a chuckle whenever you met her. She should be commended for the hours she spent while Art would be at meetings, giving his time support and knowledge of so many projects that they were both involved with in the community. Just think of the number of meals cooked and delivered in the field over the many years as a farmer’s wife and mother. Reta was so often seen at the rink watching Art, her kids and grandkids playing hockey or Jan curling or the ball diamonds in the summer. Reta was a wonderful lady and will be truly missed by all take care all of you ♥️
Thinking of the Cowan family as you morn the passing off your Mother.
I will carry with me the fond memories of our families summer outings. Having enough players to play many team games during the lazy days of summer.
Your Mother will forever be in my heart. Hugs and much love to you all.
Kathy n Trevor Luten
To the Cowan family,
Reta’s door was always open for unexpected visitors who were always invited in for a coffee. I’ll always remember the times our families spent together.
Our sympathies,
Gordon and Rosalie White and families
Thinking of you all at this sad time, cherish your memories and know she is at peace. Deepest sympathy
Dear Doug, Debi, Jani, Bill and families
I am saddened to learn of the passing of your mother and grandmother.
I remember Reta as a parent during my teaching days at Hartney School where I had the privilege to teach Jani, Bill and Cathy. She and Art were most supportive of their children’s education and great community volunteers. Treasure all the beautiful memories you have of your Mom—she was an amazing woman with a heart ❤️ of gold.
My deepest sympathies to all of you.
Thinking of you all at this sad time.
Reta has left an amazing legacy of family!!! We so enjoyed our visits with her in the hockey stands! She will be missed and remembered!
Deepest sympathies to the Cowan family.
May she rest in peace .
Our sincere condolences to you all
My deepest sympathies to the Cowan Family on the passing of Reta.
Condolences to Cowan family. Hoping your many happy memories help you through this difficult time Darlene Nichol and family
Dear Bill and Nina and all of Art and Reta’s family.
Our very caring condolences are with you at this time as you gently put Reta to rest with Art and Kay.
Your care of her was wonderful as she continued on with her humour, and love of family , friends and sports.
We are fortunate to have known her.
Hugs from Claire and David Day.
Our condolences to you all at this sad time. You will have so many wonderful stories and memories to share of Reta and growing up in her care. She will be missed.
Reta was like a second mom for me in my teen age years when I spent most weekends living in the Cowan household. I always admired her work ethic and enjoyed her company while always following the rules. I know she is now at peace with Art who is also dearly missed. My heart goes out to my “foster” brothers and sisters and their families. So Sorry for your loss Doug, Debbie, Janet, +Bill and know that we are thinking about you.
Our sincere condolences to Doug, Debbie, Jani, Bill & Families. Hold all your wonderful memories close.
Robert & Marilyn Pearce
Our sincere condolences to the entire Cowan family on the passing of Reta. She was a lovely person and will be missed by her family as well the whole community. Reid & Kelly Cowieson ❤️