Patsy E. Gowans passed into eternity August 29, 2007 surrounded by her family and her eternal partner and sweetheart, Utah State Representative, Jim Gowans (D-Tooele).
Utah Democratic Chair Wayne Holland made the following statement after learning of Patsy's passing.
"On behalf of all Utah Democrats our deepest sympathy to the Gowans family. As one of the grand ladies of Tooele County, she will be missed greatly, but her legacy will long inspire present and future generations to be involved and make a positive difference in their communities."
Patsy E.
Gowans 1932 ~ 2007 Ida Patsy Elkington Gowans, age 75, passed away August 29, 2007 at the University of Utah Medical Center surrounded by her family. Patsy was born Aug. 15, 1932 in Idaho Falls, ID to Howard and Violet (Meyers) Elkington. She had many summertime memories growing up riding horses and fishing at her grandfather's ranch in Bone, ID. Her family moved to Tooele, UT in 1934, where Patsy graduated from Tooele High School in 1951. While in high school, she started working for E.G. Mantes Sr. at Mantes Chevrolet. Patsy married her sweetheart, James Ross Gowans on Nov. 16, 1956 in the Salt Lake Temple. They moved to Logan, Utah where Jim finished his degree in Health and Physical Education at Utah State University. They moved back to Tooele where Jim started teaching for Tooele School District and Patsy began raising four boys and working at Mantes Chevrolet until her retirement. Patsy was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for which she served in many capacities. Her greatest joy was her family, where she dedicated her life to her four sons and their families. Her grandchildren were the highlight of her life. She spent many hours with them; grandma's house was their favorite place. Patsy dedicated her life to her son, Jimmy. His well-being and care was her greatest concern and his needs were always her top priority. She was a major support to Jim during his professional and political careers. She loved Thanksgiving and Christmas because everyone was home. Patsy is survived by her eternal companion, James R. Gowans; four sons: Jimmy, Bob (Tami), Gary (Mollie) all of Tooele, Utah; and Michael (Ruth) Cedar Valley, Ut; seven grandchildren: Bryan, Janette (Jared Shields), Kristina, Kaitlyn, Jessica, Raleigh, Jenna, one great granddaughter Kelsey, and her sister Lorena Rupp of Tooele, Ut. She was preceded in death by her parents. A viewing will be held Monday, September 3, 2007 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Tate Mortuary 110 So Main St. Tooele Funeral services will be held at the Tooele South Stake Center 1025 Southwest Dr at 11:00 AM on Tuesday Sept 4, 2007. Friends may visit with the family 9:30-10:45 prior to the service at the Church. Interment will be at the Tooele City Cemetery. Patsy and her family wish to thank the numerous friends, nurses, and doctors who provided kind support and care during her illness.
Published in the Salt Lake Tribune from 9/2/2007 - 9/3/2007.
Gowans 1932 ~ 2007 Ida Patsy Elkington Gowans, age 75, passed away August 29, 2007 at the University of Utah Medical Center surrounded by her family. Patsy was born Aug. 15, 1932 in Idaho Falls, ID to Howard and Violet (Meyers) Elkington. She had many summertime memories growing up riding horses and fishing at her grandfather's ranch in Bone, ID. Her family moved to Tooele, UT in 1934, where Patsy graduated from Tooele High School in 1951. While in high school, she started working for E.G. Mantes Sr. at Mantes Chevrolet. Patsy married her sweetheart, James Ross Gowans on Nov. 16, 1956 in the Salt Lake Temple. They moved to Logan, Utah where Jim finished his degree in Health and Physical Education at Utah State University. They moved back to Tooele where Jim started teaching for Tooele School District and Patsy began raising four boys and working at Mantes Chevrolet until her retirement. Patsy was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for which she served in many capacities. Her greatest joy was her family, where she dedicated her life to her four sons and their families. Her grandchildren were the highlight of her life. She spent many hours with them; grandma's house was their favorite place. Patsy dedicated her life to her son, Jimmy. His well-being and care was her greatest concern and his needs were always her top priority. She was a major support to Jim during his professional and political careers. She loved Thanksgiving and Christmas because everyone was home. Patsy is survived by her eternal companion, James R. Gowans; four sons: Jimmy, Bob (Tami), Gary (Mollie) all of Tooele, Utah; and Michael (Ruth) Cedar Valley, Ut; seven grandchildren: Bryan, Janette (Jared Shields), Kristina, Kaitlyn, Jessica, Raleigh, Jenna, one great granddaughter Kelsey, and her sister Lorena Rupp of Tooele, Ut. She was preceded in death by her parents. A viewing will be held Monday, September 3, 2007 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Tate Mortuary 110 So Main St. Tooele Funeral services will be held at the Tooele South Stake Center 1025 Southwest Dr at 11:00 AM on Tuesday Sept 4, 2007. Friends may visit with the family 9:30-10:45 prior to the service at the Church. Interment will be at the Tooele City Cemetery. Patsy and her family wish to thank the numerous friends, nurses, and doctors who provided kind support and care during her illness.
1 comment:
zgctjtI knew Patty a bit, and I came to appreciate how genuine she was and how committed she was to her family.
I was really sad to hear of her passing. Jim Gowans is a very conservative, but capable, Democratic legislator. Behind him was a heart of gold that was his wife, Patsy. I never heard Patsy say anything bad about anyone. She was a genuinely good person and I imagine that Jim must be heart-broken at the loss of his wife.
The Gowans are good people, who descend from some of the earliest residents of Tooele. Tooele's heritage as a bastion of strength among the Democratic Party is something that appears to be fading, but the legacy of public service of families such as the Gowans, and other Tooele families should be noted and appreciated.
My heart goes out to Jim and his family at a time of significant loss.
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