Kathy Sowards

Kathy Sowards

Born October 28, 1942 in Praise (Elkhorn City), Kentucky

Died October 18, 2026 in Trenton, Michigan

Kathy was born in Pike County, Kentucky and went to Hellier High School. She moved to Trenton, MI in 1959 where she was a stay-at-home Mom and later became a caretaker for an elderly family. Later in life she obtained her GED from the Southgate Schools and went to work at Southgate Adult Education as support staff. She eventually retired from Southgate Schools.

She enjoyed crafting, solving logic problems, visiting with her grandchildren and taking care of her home. She previously had cats as pets and loved their company.

In her final years, Kathy developed severe kidney problems and dementia which lead to her death. Even with dementia, she was very happy to have a visit from her only great-grandchild. That would bring her great joy.

Kathy is survived by her son James (Kimberly) Sowards, her daughter Jacquelin Lynn (Mark) Biro, her grandchildren Erin Sowards and James Loren Sowards, II (Allison), her beloved great-granddaughter Madilyn Sowards, and her brothers Eugene Epling and Bobby Epling. She was preceded in death by her parents Jerry and Verna Epling and her siblings; Harold Epling, Justine Wright, Daniel Epling, Robert Epling, and Gobel Epling. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Funeral arrangements for Kathy have been entrusted to the Ridge Chapel of The Martenson Family of Funeral Homes located at 2272 W Jefferson Ave, Trenton, MI 48183. Kathy will be interred at Michigan Memorial Park Cemetery on Friday, October 23, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. 

Please visit Kathy's online guestbook and tribute wall to share memories and leave condolences for her family.