Obituary of George Cowles

NA George Ray Cowles George passed away March 13, 2012 in Yelm, WA. George was born in Cashmere, WA, February 13, 1921, to parents Eva Ruth Thurston Cowles and George R. Cowles. His father passed away when George was only two years old and his step-father, Karl Mitchell played a very important role in his life. George attended Yelm High School and graduated in 1940. He enlisted in the US Army during World War II serving in the India, Burma, and China theaters of war. He was honorably discharged in 1945. George married Mary Frances Aschenbrenner-Fields on Dec. 20, 1946. Mary and George co-owned and operated the Yelm Garage with Mary’s twin brother Joe Aschenbrenner and his wife Rose. George was a founding member of the volunteer Yelm Fire Department and proudly served as its Fire Chief for 25 years. He loved to garden and take care of his cows, which included putting up many bales of hay over the years. He would spend hours tinkering with engines or any type of machine, if he could not fix it, it couldn’t be fixed. Music was an important part of his life, listening to it, playing numerous instruments, and singing along. He will be remembered for his love of family and friends, vast knowledge of history of Yelm and his enjoyment of sharing it with everyone. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Cowles, daughters Marilee Bollinger and Karen McCarrell, son Jerry Cowles, and grandson Billy Ray McCarrell. He is survived by his son, Bill Cowles (Margo), daughter Ruth Cowles-Porterfield (Michael), grandchildren, Dennis McCarrell, Mary Shephard, Margaret Sims, Michael Bollinger, Kara Tappan, Mitchell Cowles, Donovan Olson, Kurtis Olson, and 12 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews. George loved many things but, most of all life and the people in his life. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations go to the Alzheimer’s Research. Www.alzheimers-research.org Please leave a favorite memory in th eguestbook below.