Janice Cowart

On Saturday, March 22, 2025, Janice "Jan" Cowart, 79, of Glen Rock passed away peacefully at Johns Hopkins Hospital with the loving company of her husband and her two daughters by her side. She was born in St. Francis, KS on June 29, 1945 to the late Edwin and Pearline (Freehling) Rath. Jan is survived by her husband of 52 years, Trent Cowart; two daughters, Tracy Cowart and husband Stephen "Spiff" Wiegand, and Trisha Westfall and husband Steve; two grandchildren, Ava and Mirabelle Westfall; and three siblings, Dale Rath and wife Mary, Ed Rath, and Jeanette Price.

Jan grew up the youngest of four siblings on a wheat and cattle farm near St. Francis, KS that her family still owns and operates. She graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Fine Arts from Kansas State University, and she met Trent while they were both working in Dallas, TX. They later moved to Telluride, Colorado where Jan was a property developer and where Trisha and Tracy were born. The family eventually settled in Glen Rock, PA, where Jan became a beloved member of the community.

Jan loved travelling with her daughters, with whom she had many adventures in Spain, France, Russia, Iceland, China, Greece, Peru, Scotland, and Ireland. She was an accomplished sailor, and with her husband she sailed the Chesapeake Bay and North Atlantic, including trips to the British Virgin Islands. Her enthusiastic spirit was also endlessly generous; she loved giving gifts, and she celebrated all holidays with gusto and decorations that were as extensive as they were delightful. She had an affinity for all living things, and during her vibrant life she cared for many creatures, including the family's two German Shepherds, two rabbits, numerous fish, and countless neighborhood birds.

Jan was a devout Christian and found comfort in the Bible and in her daily devotions. Her favorite Bible verse was "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control," which were all qualities she cultivated in herself and in her relationships.

Two events will honor Jan's life:

A funeral service and reception on Monday, March 31 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 49 Hanover St, Glen Rock, PA, 17327.

A funeral service on Monday, April 14, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, 202 N College St, Saint Francis, KS 67756. Interment will follow at St. Francis Cemetery.