Dorothy Alverna Cowen

Dorothy Alverna Goff Cowen, age 90, passed away August 4, 2024, at Mantey Heights Care Center in Grand Junction CO. Born October 19,1933 in Auburn, Nebraska; she was the daughter of the late Kelly and Goldie Edmonds. Dorothy graduated from Nebraska City High School and attended Peru State University in Peru, Nebraska. In her younger years, she taught at a rural elementary school in Nebraska. Later she was employed as a postal clerk in Delta, CO where she worked until her retirement. She was married to Allan Goff Sr in 1954 in Shenandoah, Iowa. He was only 20 years old at the time and had to acquire a signed, notarized slip from his mom giving him permission to be married. Dorothy and Allan moved west due to the health of their daughter, Karen, who suffered from respiratory issues. They intended to join Allan’s brother Earl on the west coast, but their car broke down in Colorado and that is where they settled. They were married for 23 years and blessed with 2 daughters, Karen (Leonard England) of Delta, CO; Meri Nofzinger (Tim Rotunno) of Grand Junction, CO; and 1 son, Allan Goff (Rhonda) of Clifton CO. Dorothy was widowed in 1977 when Allan died in an accident at Paonia, Colorado. Glen Cowen came into Dorothy’s life in the late 70’s and she decided he was a “keeper”. She ran off all the other ladies he was courting, and they were married on February 14, 1980. Dorothy gained 4 more children because of that marriage; Paula (John Belfrage) Ault, CO; Jane (Brad Fletcher), South Berwick, Maine; Liz (Dave Furman), Morrison, CO; and Jennifer (Jeff Myers), Pueblo CO. 

Dorothy and Glen enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, exploring, bird watching, travel, and they were great dancers; even teaching swing dance at the Elks Club in Delta. Some of her favorites were red roses, orchids and savoring any kind of chocolate dessert. After Dorothy’s retirement from the Delta Post Office, she and Glen traveled the US in a 5th wheel camper. They spent their winters in warmer climates camping with friends and other family members. Summers were usually spent at Blue Mesa Ranch in Gunnison, CO fishing, hiking, rock hunting and enjoying life. She loved spending time with her grand kids and playing bingo. 

She is survived by her children; a sister, Doloris James and brother Gary Edmonds; along with her grandchildren Mackenzie Nofzinger, John and Brandon Goff; Brice and Seth Thompson; Sean Belfrage; Sojourner and Freeman Fletcher; Martin, Matthew and Micah Furman; Brittney Miles; Olivia Soto; Jake and Emily Myers. Great grandchildren; Keeley, Ashlynn and Evalee Miles; Harlow, Niah and Nash Soto; Finnegan Thompson; Adeline Furman and David Cardinal III. 

Dorothy had health challenges late in her life. Through it all she remained pleasant and appreciated the caregivers around her. She was quick to sing a song, do a few bird whistles and tell people she loved them. We will miss her. 

Inurnment will be held August 16, 2024, 10:00am at Valley Lawn Cemetery, Montrose, Colorado. Location: 18070 US-550, Montrose, CO 81403 

Services have been entrusted to Brown’s Cremation and Funeral Service, Grand Junction, Colorado.