AVON PARK, Fla. – Geraldine Frances Cowles, 84, passed away Monday, March 31, in Avon Park, Fla.

She was born in Lewiston on Dec. 21, 1923, to Leroy and Esther (Frances) Phelps. She was a secretary for 60 years, retiring in 2002.

She was a member of the Bethany Baptist Church, member of the church choir, librarian at church, was active in the children’s ministry at church and had been a resident of Avon Park since 1993, coming from Maine.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Gerald and Wendy Cowles of India; daughters and sons-in-law, Carole and William Cook of Avon Park, Fla., and Brenda and Robert Crown of Avon Park, Fla.; sister, Dorothy Pond of Oakland; 11 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband, Dean Cowles; and sons, Richard Cowles and Alfred Cowles.