Olive Ruth Bird Cowden, 101, of Big Spring, died on Tuesday, December 13, 2005, in a local nursing home. Graveside services will be held Friday, December 16, at 9:30 AM at Mt. Olive Memorial Park with a memorial service to follow at 10:00 AM at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel, with Rev. James Liggett, pastor of St. Mary's Episcopal Church, officiating.She was born to Walter C. and Mary Margaret Bird, on November 16, 1904, in Big Spring, Texas and married Houston Cowden on November 15, 1930 in Oklahoma. He preceded her in death on Decembr 13, 1987. Mrs. Cowden's grandfather, Joseph Bird, came to Big Spring in 1883 as an engineer with the Texas and Pacific Railroad. She attended Big Spring schools, Carrburdette College in Sherman, and Texas Christian University in Ft. Worth. Olive returned to Big Spring after marrying Houston Cowden.She was a member of St. Mary's Epsicopal Church where she was presented an award, in November of 1996, for seventy-six years of faithful service and membership.Mrs. Cowden was a member of the Daughters of American Revolution, Women's Forum, the Big Spring Women's Credit Club and the Altrusa Club. She operated Cowden's Insurance Agency for thirty-nine years from 1930 to 1969. She and her husband were also involved in farming for many years.Survivors include one cousin, Faye Dawson of Dallas; three nieces, Leo Cowden of Athens, Betty Branon of New Mexico, and Margaret Huffman of Overland, Kansas; and longtime friends, Mary Ann Barnett of Farmington, New Mexico and Wanda Lee, of Big Spring. She was preceded in death by one half brother, Ed Reagan; two half sisters, Dora Madison and Nancy Brindley; and one nephew, David Cowden.The family suggest memorials be made to the Salvation Army Angel Tree Program, 811 West 5th, Big Spring, Texas 79720. Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,
