Phyllis J. Gowell, age 95, of Muskegon and formerly of New Era, went home to heaven on Thursday, June 18, 2020.  She was born January 9, 1925 in Shelby, the daughter of Arnold and Olive (Vander Ven) Swanson.

Phyllis was raised in New Era and married James W. Gowell on September 3, 1945.  He passed away on January 29, 2015.  Mrs. Gowell had lived on the farm east of New Era for many years before moving to Muskegon in 2014.

She was a school teacher starting with a one-room school in Oceana County before teaching at Mouth School and then Carpenter School for approximately ten years.  She also taught at Rothbury before her retirement.  She was a member of New Era Reformed Church.  She enjoyed camping, snowmobiling, square dancing with the Melody Mates and quilt making.

She is survived by her children, Calvin (Barbara) Gowell, Anne Flutur, Roger (Kathy) Gowell and Lloyd (Jo) Gowell; ten grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and her sister, Joyce Fraser.  Besides her husband and her parents, Phyllis was preceded in death by her grandchildren, Katie Gowell and Troy Gowell, her brother, Vernon Swanson and sister, Marilyn Matthews.

A memorial service will be held Monday, June 29th, 2 p.m. at New Era Reformed Church with Pastor Rick Eschenburg officiating.  Interment will be in New Era Cemetery.  Memorials may be directed to charity of your choice.