Barbara Jean Cowles, 81, of Girard, passed away on Monday, November 7, 2016 at Almost Like Home AFC in Bronson. A celebration of Barbara's life will be held on Friday, November 11, 2016 at 3 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Tekonsha, with Pastor Don Lee officiating. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Tekonsha. Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 10, 2016 from 2-4 p.m. and from 6-8 p.m. at Lighthouse of Tekonsha, 616 N. Main Street in Tekonsha.Barbara was born on March 4, 1935 in Athens, MI to Paul and Pauline (Sanders) Thrasher. She graduated from Athens High School in 1953. On August 14, 1964, she married Frank Emmett Cowles in Angola, IN. They had six children together and made their home in Girard. Barbara was employed at Post Cereals and as a waitress at Olds' Grill in Tekonsha. She also spent more than 40 years as a resident care aide at the former State Home in Coldwater. After retiring, she worked 10 years part-time as a Walmart greeter, playing the role of "Mrs. Claus" during the Christmas season.Faith and family were important to Barbara. She was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Tekonsha and regarded her children as her life. She cared for them, sewed for them, raised a garden, canned, froze fruits and vegetables and made jellies. She was a talented multi-tasker long before the phrase was coined. Barbara was a fabulous scratch cook who delighted in having the whole family over for big Sunday dinners. She also enjoyed eating out and appreciated shopping trips that ended at restaurants. She liked adding to her extensive wardrobe of clothing, shoes and accessories. Christmas was a favorite time of year for Barbara. Everyone on her list always got what they wanted. Her worst fear was that someone would go without.Practical and positive, Barbara believed if you didn't have anything nice to say, you shouldn't say anything at all. She promoted honesty with her children by telling them, "Don't lie or it will beat you home." She socialized through church functions and with the members of her Red Hat group. She loved old country music and singing, especially in church. She was an avid collector of Denim Days figurines and friendships. Her consistent, caring presence will be missed.Left to carry on the family traditions are Barbara's children, Charity (Randell) Miller of Montgomery, Christy (former son-in-law, Doug) Parker of Girard, Tammie (Bryan) Sielken of Coldwater, Frank (Eva Marie) Cowles of Girard and Suzanne (and the late Stacy) Weaver of Bronson; grandchildren Randy, Lyndsay, Ashley, Ryan, Jessica, Kalee, Josalynn, Savannah, Justice, Shaydon, Kelsee, Jordan, Kameron and Julianna; great-grandchildren Greyson, Addison, Jacob, Paxton, Hayden, Rylee, Grace, Owen, Harper, Heath and Houston, with another on the way.Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Frank (1999); an infant daughter, Renada Rene Cowles (1962); a granddaughter, Alysha Sielken; a great-grandson, Noah Miller; a son-in-law, Stacy Weaver; and eight siblings, Shirley "Sonny" Thrasher, Milton "Micky" Thrasher, Larry Thrasher, Jimmy Thrasher, Sandy Wilcox, Trudy O'Dell, Lavern "Joe" Thrasher and Ronnie Thrasher.Memorials are suggested to . Please visit www.lighthousefuneral.com to share photos, videos and memories with the family.