Mary Louise Gowan

Mary Louise Spring Warner Gowan, 87, a lifelong resident of New Philadelphia, died peacefully in Union Hospital early Wednesday, August 27, 2003, following a lengthy illness. Born in Oldtown Valley, June 8, 1916, she was a daughter of the late Edgar S. and Ina Mae Sherer Spring. Mary Louise attended classes in a one-room schoolhouse, before graduating from New Philadelphia, as a member of the class of 1934. She continued her education at Ohio University, where she received training to become a teacher. A sixty-nine year member of the First United Methodist Church in New Philadelphia, Mary Louise taught Sunday school there for many years; and was a natural at it, having also taught primary school at New Philadelphia’s old South School, then at Midvale, and later at Dundee, before becoming a regular substitute teacher in the New Philadelphia district. Mary Louise enjoyed playing the piano, as her grandchildren sang to the tune she played. Her grandchildren will long remember the good times they shared with family and friends at her cottage on Atwood Lake. An active member of our community, she was a member of Union Hospital Auxiliary’s Twig III, where she formerly modeled clothing in the organization’s fashion shows. Mary Louise was also a supporter of the Little Theatre of Tuscarawas County, and appeared in its 1961 production of South Pacific. Mary Louise also held memberships at Union Country Club, and the Atwood Yacht Club, where she was a member of the ladies Auxiliary. A talented artist, she enjoyed painting oil on canvas, and oil on finished furniture. Together with her first husband, Donald Lewis Warner who preceded her in death December 10, 1986, she raised a family that includes a daughter, Marylee (Tim) Llewellyn of New Philadelphia; and sons Robert L. (Sally) Warner of New Philadelphia, and Richard E. Warner, now deceased.She’ll be sadly missed by her longtime friend and husband of twelve years, William Gowan, as well as a daughter-in-law Diane Warner of Orlando, Fl; three granddaughters, Megan Warner of Orlando, Fl, Jennifer (Zane) Ruth of York, Pa, and Jacquelyn Llewellyn of Columbus; a grandson, Michael (Brenda) Warner of New Philadelphia; and great-grandchildren Emily and Matthew Warner, two sisters, Eleanor (Albert) Rhoads of Wooster, and Martha Simms of Wadsworth.In addition to her parents, first husband, and son, three brothers, James E. Spring, Robert L. Spring and Larry A. Spring precede her in death. Dr. Steven R. Bailey will officiate funeral services Saturday, August 30, 2003 at 10:30 AM at the First United Methodist Church, 201 West High Avenue, New Philadelphia. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services in the church sanctuary. Burial will follow at Evergreen Burial Park. Following the committal service, a reception will be given in the church fellowship hall. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the First United Methodist Church or to the local Alzheimer’s Association, 4815 Munson St. N.W. Canton, OH 44718.