Mae Cowgill, 76

GILBERT, Ariz. - Mae Cowgill, 76, of Gilbert, passed away March 4, 2009, in her home. The daughter of the late Ira F. and Minnie Hartsoe Ashley, she was born April 10, 1932, in Westover, Md. Mae is survived by her husband of 50 years, retired Col. Claiborne "Clay" Cowgill of Gilbert; six children, Charles (Theresa) Ward Jr. of Maricopa, retired Major Linda Randall of Austin, Texas, Harlan (Pattie) Ward of Salisbury, Md. Pamela Cowgill of Gilbert, Lt. Col. Claiborne (Karen) Cowgill Jr. of Port Hueneme, Calif., and Nancy Hopkins of Baltimore. She has 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Mae is also survived by her siblings, Smith Ashley of Woodbine, Md., Margaret Graybeal of Jefferson, N.C., Emily (Roger) Abbott of Princess Anne, Md. Pauline (Boise) Beauchamp of Westover, Elmer (Sue) Ashley of Princess Anne and Winfred (Nancy) Ashley of Salisbury and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by brothers, Lillard, Ray, Frank and Joseph. A memorial service was held March 8 at First United Methodist Church of Gilbert, Ariz. Family and friends are invited to attend interment at 2 p.m. April 11 at Beechwood Cemetery, Rt. 348, West Post Office Road in Princess Anne. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E Flower St., Phoeniz, AZ 85014; or The First United Methodist Church of Gilbert, 331 S. Cooper Road, Gilbert, AZ 85233.