Polly Gowen

Polly Gowen, of Soper, Okla., went to be with her Lord peacefully on April 15, 2024, in Hugo, Okla., at the age of 85. She was born on Sept. 14, 1938 in Soper, Okla. Polly was preceded in Heaven by her parents, Euell and Grace Self; brother, Bob Self; son, David Colwell and a granddaughter.

Polly was a legal secretary in Carson City, Nev., and later retired from West Side Recreation and Park District in Taft, Calif. Often during her lunch breaks she could be found rocking the infants as a volunteer in the Taft College Children’s Center. Her passion for volunteering wouldn’t end there as she was fond of volunteering at her local churches and food banks. Not only did she love the ocean, she spent many years of her life living in Oceano and Santa Barabara, Calif., so she could be near it. Polly enjoyed deep sea fishing, sailing, water skiing and snorkeling. Polly was well traveled across the United States including Hawaii and Alaska, Europe and the southern coasts of Mexico. When she wasn’t out on an adventure, Polly liked to sew, put together puzzles, play cards, cook, paint and be with her family. Polly loved her family, her church family and her cats. She always had a garden at every home and brought life and joy to everything around her. She was funny, smart and a fighter to the very end. Polly will be dearly missed by her multitude of friends and family. Polly is lovingly remembered and survived by her son, Jarl Donald Colwell, Jr.; daughters: Jaton McBride and Kim Kipfer and husband; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; three cousins, along with many other cousins, family and loved ones.

A memorial service to honor the life of Polly will be held by the family at a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction of Miller & Miller Funeral Home.