Erla A. Sowers

Heaven gained a special angel today. She was the matriarch of our family, at 92 years young, and the glue that bonded us together. She was as selfless as they come and lived for the joy of being with her family.
Erla Sowers was born on February 22nd, 1929 in Columbus, Ohio as the only child of Aubrey and Margaret Allen. Central Ohio is where she spent most of her life to be near her ever growing family. She lived life to the fullest, and passed away peacefully on May 18th, 2021 surrounded by loved ones.
After graduating from Central High School, she met a returning war veteran, Russell Sowers of Circleville Ohio, (who preceded her in death). They were married on September 30th, 1948. Russell moved to Columbus, Ohio and they had five children, which were the delight of her life. Their first child was Janet (husband, Charles), quickly followed by Steven (wife, Carol), Dennis (also preceding her in death)(wife, Cathy), Margaret-Katheryn (Margie) (husband, Jeff) and Russell (Casey)(wife, Julie).
Erla was a dedicated full time stay- at- home mother until the death of her husband on September 30, 1962. At that time she began a long and successful career working with children in one capacity or another, in addition to being a wonderful full time mom of 5 children, grandmother of 19 , and too many great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren to count. She had the unique pleasure to live to see five generations of children that she cared for and loved dearly. She would be quick to tell you that being with children brought her the greatest joy in her life.
Anyone who knew Erla recognized her tireless work ethic, and she passed that on to her heirs, to ensure that each one had a successful life and career in their chosen field. Erla ended her own professional career in 2015 when she retired from Hilliard City School District.
Erla fiercely supported her family through many passions and difficulties in their lives. Whether that was through the loss of a spouse, death of a child, or helping with difficult life decisions, she made it her mission to improve the lives of others. Even after retirement she continued to be actively engaged with children. You would often see her at baseball and football games cheering and supporting a grandchild or great-grandchild that was playing in community or school athletics. She was on a first name basis with many coaches and never failed to render her opinion about the team talent or game officiating.
Erla also loved her church family and was a member of Christian-Life Church in Plain City, Ohio for many years. Her Pastor, Bud Mulford, his wife Joan, and her fellow church members were instrumental in fulfilling her spiritual journey and helping her develop her relationship with Christ.
In June of 2015 she had the good fortune to meet and nurture yet another family, at Darby Glenn Nursing and Rehabilitation, where she became a full time resident. She loved the excellent care and compassion she received from everyone at Darby, but she learned to love and appreciate a few that felt like extended family to her. Patu, Cassie, Erica, Phil and Chris will forever be part of our family memories and gratitude.
The hole left by her absence is impossible to fill but her values, teachings, humor and the many memories she left us will never be forgotten and will get us by until we meet again…RIH

A memorial service will be held on June 5, 2021 at 1:30pm at the Christian Life Church – 221 S. Chillicothe St, Plain City, Ohio 43064. Pastor Bud Mulford officiating. Fellowship following the service in the church community room.


Private Cemetery Internment will be at a later date.