Christine Elizabeth Cowles
Christine Elizabeth Cowles, a beloved wife, mother, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home in Springport on September 27, 2024, at the age of 69. She was surrounded by her loving family and friends. Born in Lansing, Michigan, on May 31, 1955, to Carson and Phyllis (Langenfeld) Ackley, Chris inherited many wonderful traits from both her parents.
Her father imparted to her a love of adventure, a passion for road trips, and a keen eye for discovering treasures in unexpected places. From her mother, Chris inherited the love of sewing and the ability to transform the ordinary into something beautiful. These qualities shaped her into a woman whose creativity, generosity, and joy enriched the lives of all who knew her.
Chris was a proud 1973 graduate of Eaton Rapids High School. One of her most treasured school memories was winning a dance contest with her brother Tim.
Chris’s professional journey began at MESSA in 1975, where her dedication and leadership skills saw her rise through the ranks to become a treasured manager. Along the way, she cultivated deep and lasting friendships with colleagues. She later became the co-owner of Rapids Tumble Finish and co-founded the Promise Breakers Club alongside her devoted husband, Loren, with whom she shared a deep and enduring bond. After a fulfilling career, Chris chose to retire and focus on what she cherished most: time spent with her family and friends.
A woman of many passions, Chris delighted in sharing her favorite books, documentaries, and television shows, while her love of music was a gift she passed on to her children. Her creativity found further expression in the countless hours she spent knitting and quilting, each piece lovingly crafted as a symbol of her devotion to family and friends.
Chris met the love of her life and best friend, Loren, through her sister Cathy and Cathy’s husband, Bud. Their marriage in 1983 marked the beginning of a partnership rooted in love, laughter, and shared dreams. In May 1984, they welcomed their daughter, Betsy, and together with Loren’s sons, Brian and Tim, they created a close-knit family.
Chris’s memory lives on in the hearts of her children, Brian (Melissa) Cowles of Cincinnati, OH, Tim (Faiza) Cowles of Chicago, IL, and Betsy (Slater) Cowles of Eaton Rapids, as well as her beloved grandchildren, Luke, Nora, Mia, Alex, Holden, Esme, Wyeth, Dylan, and Vivianne. She is also survived by her siblings, Thomas (Vicki) Ackley of Eaton Rapids, Timothy (Jackie) Ackley of Bellaire, Cathy (Bud) Cowles of Eaton Rapids, Janice (Jim) Boice of Perry, Joseph (Pam) Ackley of Norton Shores, Robert (Annette) Ackley of Eaton Rapids, William Ackley of Eaton Rapids, and Mary (Scott) Patrick of Lansing, as well as her sister-in-law, Sue Ackley of Eaton Rapids.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Loren Cowles, in 2023; her parents, Carson and Phyllis Ackley; and her siblings, James Ackley, Richard Ackley, and Carol Clark.
Though she is no longer with us, Chris’s legacy of love, kindness, and creativity will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.
A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church of Charlotte on November 2, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Karmanos Cancer Institute of McLaren or McLaren Hospice and Palliative Care in Lansing. Arrangements were entrusted to Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To leave condolences for the family, please visit www.millsfuneral.com.