Memorial Service
First Presbyterian Church
800 Jefferson St.
Kerrville, TX  78028
Monday, July 29, 2024
1:00 PM
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Kitty Cowden

of Kerrville, TX

October 25, 1952 - July 24, 2024


  • Obituary
  • Guestbook
Kathleen "Kitty" Real Syfan Cowden, 71, of Kerrville, Texas, passed away on July 24, 2024. Born October 25, 1952, in Kerrville, Texas where she grew up on the family ranch in Mountain Home, Texas. Kitty was a beloved figure in her community, known for her vibrant spirit and generous heart.

Kitty graduated from Junction High School in 1970. While in high school, she was a twirler and coronet player in the band. She was a member of the 4-H Club where she showed commercial breeding sheep and cattle. She enjoyed running barrels and attending Crider's Rodeo and Dancehall while in high school. Kitty went on to attend Stephens College where she studied Business Administration. She also traveled abroad where she attended Richmond College in London. She attended the University of Hawaii and later the University of Texas at Austin where she studied Real Estate and Real Estate Law. She also studied Business Administration at Schreiner University in Kerrville.

On May 30, 1976, she married William H. Cowden Jr. at the First Presbyterian Church of Kerrville. Together they raised a loving family in the Texas Hill Country.

Kitty's life was filled with joy derived from her various passions. Kitty was an active member of the community and was involved in many community activities while working and raising her two children. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Kerrville and attended Bible Study Fellowship and was involved with the Children's Corner there. Kitty also enjoyed substitute teaching while her children were younger. Her hobbies included flying with her husband in his Cessna 182, ranching, taking trips with her beloved husband and close friends and spending cherished moments with her grandchildren. She also enjoyed playing bridge in various bridge groups with some of her dearest friends throughout the years. She was an avid supporter of her kids and grandkids in any sport or activity they chose to participate in and made sure they were able to attend any additional training needed for success. She was a member of the Huntsman Ball fundraiser committee.

Kitty began her real estate career at Coldwell Banker, Ron Imel and Associates in Kerrville. In 1999, Kitty partnered with Becky McFadden and opened ReMax of Kerrville that continues to operate here today. In 2000, Kitty became a broker with ReMax Kerrville. Her professional life was marked by a deep commitment to her clients and colleagues, which paralleled her dedication to her family and friends. Kitty was a natural fit for selling real estate as she had learned much early in life from her father, Thomas Syfan, who was also a successful realtor. Kitty was awarded membership to the Hall of Fame and the Platinum Club for ReMax for being a top producer.

Kitty's love for entertaining and cooking made her home a warm and welcoming place. From the time Kitty was in high school she loved to cook. She won the Betty Crocker award in home economics while in high school. Her love of cooking carried on throughout her lifetime. I can promise, you would never go hungry as long as Kitty was around. Kitty always made sure everyone was well fed. Not just her family but their extended family along with any friends who happened to be around at the time. No matter where you were at or how far from home, Kitty could always feed you if you were the least bit hungry. If you knew her, you also knew that she kept the back of her Suburban fully stocked with food, snacks and drinks. If you happened to be cooking when she was around and realized you were out of an ingredient, you could bet Kitty would have it in her Suburban.

Kitty is survived by her husband, William H. Cowden Jr.; daughter, Courtney Cowden Mitchell (Jimmy Mitchell); son, William Cody Cowden (Jessica); and five grandchildren, Weston Cody Mitchell, Jalynn Nichole Mitchell, Cason Cowden Mitchell, Kaitlin Real Mitchell, and Thomas James Cowden, all of Kerrville, TX; two sisters, Cindy Rieck and Sara Dean; as well as eight nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Condell Syfan and Meta Flora Real Syfan.

Memorial services will be held at 1 PM, Monday, July 29, 2024, at First Presbyterian Church of Kerrville.

Kitty's legacy of kindness and generosity will be remembered by all who knew her. To know her was to love her. Thank you for all the love and prayers for our precious mom.


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33 Condolence(s)
Sandra Baker
Stonewall, TX
Friday, August 9, 2024

So sorry to hear of Kitty’s passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May She Rest In Peace.

Clarice Amann
Kerrville, TX
Monday, July 29, 2024

So sorry to learn of Kitty's untimely death. She was always so graceful & kind in any of our encounters. My thoughts are also with the children, especially Cody, who I remember playing with my son, Leeland as small children. Sorry I was unable to attend the services as well. Peace & Love to you all.

Erika Jenschke Petty
Houston, TX
Monday, July 29, 2024

Courtney and Family-
My heart aches for you to lose someone so loved by so many not only in your friends and family but community as well. I pray that you all will continue to live through Kitty’s eyes in a positive and welcoming light that we all remember about Kitty.
I’m so sorry for your loss and pray for peace.
Love,
Erika Jenschke Petty

David and Donna Ellis
Ingram, TX
Monday, July 29, 2024

We were so saddened to hear of Kitty's passing. She and I (Donna) worked together in BSF and knew her to be a godly, kind and gentle woman.
We will pray for the family.

Bryan & Theresa Treiber
Harper, TX
Monday, July 29, 2024

Our sincere condolences during this difficult time. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Craig & Joan (Haney) Salsbury
Ingram, TX
Monday, July 29, 2024

Bill, Courtney, Cody, Cindy and Sally, Craig and I were so sorry to hear of Kitty's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Duan and Janet Packard
Kerrville, TX
Monday, July 29, 2024

So sorry to learn about Kitty. Kitty was an inspiration to me when I had my accident and lost my leg and I will always remember her for that.
Duan and Janet

Janet Smajstrla
Kerrville, TX
Monday, July 29, 2024

Kitty had a one of a kind sweet soul. We will miss her as we pray for your comfort and peace at this time of loss.

Stephanie WIng-Garcia
Kerrville, TX
Sunday, July 28, 2024

That was a beautiful obituary for a beautiful, extraordinary woman. She was unbelievably good to me and my whole family. We all loved her so much. So sad for Bill, and the family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. She will be terribly missed by all of us. I am so thankful that life brought us together. She was truly one of my favorite people, and I was blessed to know her. With so much love, Stephanie

Karen & Maurice McAshan
Kerrville, TX
Sunday, July 28, 2024

Please accept our condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Janelle Chapman
Kerrville, TX
Sunday, July 28, 2024

I’m so very sorry to hear of Kitty’s passing. She was such a beautiful person inside & out. Praying that the memories you have will be of comfort and soothe your pain during this difficult time. I will continue to keep your family in my thoughts & prayers. With deepest sympathy, Janelle

Eileen Meek
Ingram, TX
Saturday, July 27, 2024

Bill we were so very sorry to read about Kitty in today's newspaper. Please know our thoughts and prayers 🙏 are with you and your family.

Janet Justice
Kerrville, TX
Saturday, July 27, 2024

So sorry to hear about Kitty, it was a shock. She was a sweet and caring person. Beautiful obituary about her life, She loved Bill and her family more than anything. When we would run into each other, we always talked about our kids. She will be missed by the community, she had so much to offer. Heaven has definitely gained an angel! May she rest in peace.

Michele Smith
Kerrville, TX
Saturday, July 27, 2024

I met Kitty through Bible Study Fellowship. She immediately impressed me because of her warm, friendly character, her love for the study of God’s word, and the overflowing of love she showed to those she led. She was always so gracious and kind. A beautiful person inside out, a true light in this world. My heart aches for her family, I pray the Lord brings comfort & peace to them in this difficult time. She was just so lovely in every way.

Glenn Andrews
Junction, TX
Saturday, July 27, 2024

My deepest condolences to the family. I am so sorry for your loss.

William Givens
Ingram, TX
Saturday, July 27, 2024

So heartbroken to hear this as my friendship with Kitty began about 1956. I hurt for my friend Bill and all the family.

Gary and Brenda Chapman
Kerrville, TX
Friday, July 26, 2024

Bill and family, we are so sorry to hear of Kitty's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you......Gary and Brenda Chapman

Carla Earnhardt
Kerrville, TX
Friday, July 26, 2024

Bill, I am so sorry to hear of Kitty's passing. My sincere condolences go out to you & the family. May God wrap his arms around you all & guide you all through this difficult time. God Bless.

Cheryl & James Hahn
Fredericksburg, TX
Friday, July 26, 2024

Kitty was the type of person you fell in love with from the start! And, we did! We send our deepest condolences and huge hugs to the entire family. We are sorry we are not closer to attend the memorial. May Kitty rest in peace.

Laurie Dozier
Kerrville, TX
Friday, July 26, 2024

Our deepest condolences to Bill and the family and all affected by her passing. What a shock to hear, gonna miss her smile. A true angel here on earth is now rejoicing in heaven with our Lord and all who have gone on before us. Sure will miss her smile. Prayer of peace and comfort to you all. Sincerely Laurie and Robert Dozier

Carol Jean Fahrenthold
Kerrville, TX
Friday, July 26, 2024

Condolences to the family.

Fred and Jane Washington
Kerrville, TX
Friday, July 26, 2024

Bill and Family - We are so very sorry to hear of the loss of Kitty, such a special person. Sending our sincere condolences.

Babo Teich
Bandera, TX
Friday, July 26, 2024

I am sorry to hear about Kitty passing. Prayers for strength to her large family. We will miss her in real estate. She was admired by many in the real estate field.

Richard & Donna Jenschke
Kerrville, TX
Friday, July 26, 2024

We are Praying for Comfort and Peace for the entire family at this time of deep, heartfelt loss. We remember so many beautiful aspects of Kitty and her life and we will remember her as the funny, loving and vibrant woman we all knew and loved. Into our Lord's loving arms. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Paul Urban
Harper, TX
Friday, July 26, 2024

My deepest sympathies.

May the Good Lord’s peace surround and comfort Bill and the family.

Cindy Huggins
Kerrville, TX
Thursday, July 25, 2024

I’m so sorry, Courtney, for you and your family. Sending you all many prayers.

David and Laura Drane
Kerrville,
Thursday, July 25, 2024

So sorry for your loss! Our prayers and thoughts are with the family.

John & Macky Pitts
Midland, TX
Thursday, July 25, 2024

We have so many fond memories of our times with Bill and Kitty. I loved her laid-back personality and her laugh that was contagious! A beautiful lady inside and out. From Lancers Parties to bridge to hunting to whatever she was always a blast to be with! She and I would have play dates with our little ones that I will always cherish! Heaven has a brighter presence with her there.
Our prayers are with the entire family.

John M Mosty
Kerrville, TX
Thursday, July 25, 2024

My condolences, Blessings to the family.

Ron & Linda Imel
Kerrville, TX
Thursday, July 25, 2024

Our prayers are with family and friends. A true loss for the community.

Steve and Darlya Oehler
McKinney, TX
Thursday, July 25, 2024

So sorry to hear of Kitty’s passing. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. May God grant you peace at this sad time.

Dennis & Kaye Brown
Camp Verde, TX
Thursday, July 25, 2024

So sorry to hear of Kitty’s passing
Y’all are in our thoughts & prayers

Linda Rodriguez
FREDERICKSBURG, TX
Thursday, July 25, 2024

I'm so sorry for your loss. This is an absolutely beautiful obituary. What a wonderful woman, gone too soon. Blessings to her family.