Judy Elaine (Cowan) Brewer was born on August 25, 1950 to Frank and Nora (Jacobs) Cowan in Scottsbluff, NE, and was the eighth child out of nine. While growing up, Judy attended numerous schools around western Nebraska before completing cosmetology school and becoming a beautician.
Judy was untied in marriage to Roger (Gene) Colgrove they had two children together Michelle, and Laura. Judy later married Robert Van Winkle and they had one together, Dustin. Judy was later reunited with Gene Colgrove and gained 3 stepchildren Gene, Gerry, and Dorothy. Later in life Judy met and married William (Smokey) Brewer. Judy and Smokey spent the last seventeen years working together, checking out as many casinos as they could, and settled in Topeka, Kansas.
Throughout Judy’s life, she worked many jobs, mostly focusing on helping other, as that was something she was passionate about.
Judy passed on Saturday November 4, 2023, in Omaha NE, after a courageous battle with cancer. She attained the age of 73 years, 2 months, and 10 days.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Nora Cowan, Sisters Thelma, Cathearn, and Eunice, brothers Paul and Bert, grandson Shane, great granddaughter Cassidy; and Gene Colgrove.
Judy was survived by her partner Smokey of Topeka, KS, children Michelle (Bert Carl) Bellevue, NE, Laura (Mike) Sumner, Port Orfort, OR, Dustin (Jamie) Van Winkle Noxapater, MS, Dorothy (Tony) Steyer of Scottsbluff, NE; 19 grandchildren; 31 great grandchildren; brothers Charles (Mary Ann) Cowan, Gering NE; William (Brenda) Cowan Huntsville, AL; Robert (Valorie) Cowan Scottsbluff, NE and many nieces, nephews, family and friends. While Judy loved all her grandchildren she was especially close to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
We will have a Celebration of Life on June 21, 2024 at Oregon Trail Park in Gering, NE. from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, bring a side dish and your favorite stories and pictures.