Susan Stevens Cowan

Susan Stevens Cowan, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer on Monday, March 27, 2023 while surrounded by her family. She was 69 years old. Susan leaves behind her husband of over 33 years, Kenneth, their children Rachel and Phillip, her beloved sister-in-law Beverly Stevens, her pets, and many dear relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her mother, Eleanor Stevens, her father, William Stevens, and her brother, Donald Stevens.

Born in Milan, Indiana on June 16, 1953, Susan spent her childhood on her family’s farm in Dillsboro, Indiana, where she graduated from high school in 1971. She began her college education at Vincennes University, before transferring to Indiana University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business in 1975. During her time at IU, she was proud to have worked in the athletic department, which cultivated her lifelong passion for Hoosier sports.

Susan began her professional career at Seagrams Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, after which she worked for Miller Brewing Company for nearly a decade, beginning as a merchandiser, and moving up to the position of regional sales manager. She traveled quite a bit over the course of her career with Miller, living several years each in Colorado, Montana, and finally Arkansas, where she and Kenneth met in the fall of 1988. Susan and Kenneth were married on October 7, 1989 in Dillsboro, and spent the following years raising their two children in Fort Smith. Susan later worked for 10 years at the UAFS Academic Success Center, before retiring in 2019.

Susan enjoyed going on walks (where she’d be delighted to find a “lucky penny”), reading, and watching IU basketball. A lifelong lover of animals, she adopted several rescue animals over the years, including Italian Greyhounds Opie, Millie, and Robin. She was a constant source of love, empathy, and support to her family. Her kindness and generosity will be greatly missed.

Per Susan’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. Instead, there will be a public visitation at Edward’s Funeral Home from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, March 31, 2023, and a later gathering of family and close friends in remembrance. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the animal shelter or rescue of your choice.

“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” - Thomas Campbell

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home, to view the online guestbook, please go to www.edwardsfuneralhome.com