Beth “Aunt Bubba” Cowgill, Remembered for a Life of Love, Laughter, and Legacy

A man I went to high school with buried his wife this week. She was only 46, and she was the love of his life. I can only image the pain their family is going through.

Reading her obituary was tough because you could just feel the love she had her for family and friends through the written words. I wondered who had written such a beautiful tribute—maybe she wrote it herself knowing that she didn’t have much time left. If that’s the case, what an incredibly daunting task that would be, but also a blessing.

When my daughter was in middle school, her English teacher gave the class the task of writing their own epitaph. I’m sure if I dig around long enough, I can find it.

It made me wonder…

Have you given much thought as to how your obituary might read?

I have, and I thought it might be interesting to write my own with some help from my friends.

So, here goes!

Beth Cowgill—known to family, friends, readers, and neighbors as Aunt Bubba—passed away, leaving behind her lifelong guiding light: Love. Give. Live.

Born in northern Missouri and a central Missouri resident since the age of two, Beth was a storyteller, a caregiver, and a champion of connection. Whether she was helping someone navigate the healthcare system with clarity and heart, spending time with family and friends, or penning reflections on her blog Bubba & Co., Beth lived to make others feel seen and loved.

Her roots ran deep. As the proud granddaughter of the Harris family—a name known throughout Missouri cattle country for their championship Hereford bulls—Beth carried the torch of legacy and tradition with pride. She served as the family historian, carefully preserving stories, clippings, and details from generations past. Nothing delighted her more than seeing that same spark ignite in her daughter, whose love of genealogy and heritage mirrored her own. Together, they often exchanged research, old photos, and updates—building a bridge from past to present, one branch at a time.

Beth’s warmth radiated through her writing, especially on Bubba & Co., where she shared everything from family recipes like Grandma Libby’s Creamed Eggs on Toast to humorous essays about modern motherhood, middle age, and the occasional plumbing disaster. She signed every post with a familiar comfort: “Love. Give. Live. Aunt Bubba.”

At the time of her death (if I died today), Beth made an impact as a leader for a membership-based primary care clinic, where she empowered patients and families to access personalized, meaningful healthcare. She was also a cherished member of her local Chamber of Commerce and countless community efforts, always willing to step in with purpose, warmth, and a good laugh.

She was preceded in death by grandparents and several fur babies, and is survived by her daughter, her extended family, many dear friends, and a legacy of love that stretches well beyond bloodlines.

In her memory, the family invites you to honor her spirit in a way she would love: by making a family recipe, preserving a story, calling a friend, or doing something kind—no strings attached. And always, always remember:

In lieu of flowers, Beth would want you to do what she always did: Love deeply. Give freely. Live boldly. In her memory, carry kindness forward.

Well, there you have it. Who knows what my actual obituary will look like when that time comes, but I figured this is a pretty good start.

What would your obituary say?

Love. Give. Live.