Residents ’ Review
December 2020
Volume 33 , Issue 12
Citizens Memorial Healthcare Facility is an affiliate of CMH , Bolivar , Mo ., 417-326-6000 Facility Location : 1218 W . Locust St ., Bolivar , MO 65613 , 417-326-7648
Kelly Cowan R e s i d e n t o f t h e M o n t h
Kelly Cowan was born Nov . 29 , 1960 , to Tommy and Virginia Edge in Bolivar , Missouri . Kelly ’ s father was a mechanic at Empire District Electric Company and also a farmer . She refers to her mother as , “ a good ole house mother ,” who raised her and her four siblings , Debra , Dianne , Phyllis and Wesley . Kelly ’ s mom worked as a store clerk and at MFA . Kelly described her mother as , “ The very best Mama in the world as she took such great care of all of us and especially of me when I had chronic earaches and strep throat growing up .” Kelly is the youngest of her three sisters and two years older than her brother .
She grew up on a small farm in Cliquot , Missouri and had to ride the school bus for 50 minutes to get to school each day in Bolivar where she graduated . She continued schooling at St . Johns Hospital which later became Mercy Hospital in Springfield to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist where she continued her career for about 10 years .
Kelly has fond memories of growing up with her three older sisters and younger brother . They enjoyed playing pranks on her . “ Debra pretended that my heart was coming up my throat and it scared me to death ,” said Kelly . “ Dianne , who has since passed away from cancer , chased my brother and I around the house saying , ‘ If you really want to make me mad , then call me smart .’ My brother and I then began saying , ‘ You ’ re smart , you ’ re smart .’ Dianne replied , ‘ I know , I know !’ This made my brother and I even madder .” Her sister , Phyllis used to hold her in her lap when she was a baby and feed her popcorn . She chewed off all the crusty parts before giving Kelly the soft middle part so she would not choke . Kelly had many adventures growing up with her brother . One of her favorite adventures was playing “ spies ” in their neighborhood .
Kelly married Lowell Johnson on New Year ’ s Eve in 1981 . The couple were married for fourteen years until it ended in divorce . To this union , her son , Ian , was born . Giving birth to her big healthy boy was the highlight of her life . She is hoping he will provide her with some beautiful grandchildren someday . Kelly married her second husband in 2001 who later committed suicide .
Kelly loves to paint , color , design jewelry and make all types of crafts . Her favorite hobby of all time is singing all types of music . Gospel and contemporary are her favorites . She also enjoyed walking and dancing until she suffered a stroke in 2000 .
Kelly joined our CMHCF family in January 2018 . Her favorite part of living here is the comradery and kindness she feels from the staff . She also loves all the activities , especially when we aren ’ t in isolation . She said she also appreciates the great effort that the staff puts forth to make these tough COVID- 19 times the best that they can be .
Congratulations , Kelly on being chosen as CMHCF ’ s resident of the month .
Are you a caring individual who would like to assist in caring for the elderly ? Citizens Memorial Healthcare Facility has opportunities in its volunteer and nursing program . For more information call Jeff Miller , administrator , at 417-326-7648 .