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Helen M. McGowan, 83, of Lawton, formerly of Alta, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Lawton Senior Living.
A come and go Celebration of Life visitation will be held on Saturday, Nov. 22, from 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. at Boothby Funeral Home in Cherokee. Online condolences may be left at www.boothbyfuneral.com.
Helen was born on March 30, 1942, to Fred and Arlene (Brownmiller) Townsend at Cherokee. She attended Cherokee schools, graduating from Washington High School in 1960. She earned a food certificate from the University of North Dakota. She was united in marriage on June 19, 1960, to Garlan McGowan at Cherokee. Together they had three daughters: Tammy Jean, Debbie Ann and Lauri Dee.
She ran the kitchen at the Alta Hospital, waitressed at Parkway Café and painted lawn ornaments for Christensen’s in Alta.
She was active in the Teeny Tears sewing group that made baby outfits for stillborn babies.
Helen was an excellent baker and cake decorator, staying in business with many graduations and birthdays over the years. She stayed busy babysitting and sewing. She loved spending time with her family and always loved going gambling with her husband. Helen liked the penny slots and always celebrated any wins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Arlene Townsend; and her husband, Garlan McGowan in 2017.
She is survived by her three daughters: Tammy (Doug) Stephens of Alta; Debbie (Darry) Hartsock of Papillion, Neb.; and Lauri (Mark Miller) Fulkerth of Le Mars; grandchildren: Chris Briggs, Josh (Misty) Briggs, Nick Briggs, Sarah (Aaron) Mendenhall, Ryan and Tazzi Hartsock, Jeremy (Shawna) Fulkerth, Jessie (Tatum) Fulkerth, Tyler (Jessica Kracke) Fulkerth; many great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson, Colt Nordstrom; also two brothers, Lowell Townsend of Cherokee; and John Townsend of Quimby.
