Judy Brewer

Judy Elaine (Cowan) Brewer was born on August 25, 1950, to Frank and Nora (Jacobs) Cowan in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, 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 united in marriage to Roger (Gene) Colgrove and they had two children together, Michelle and Laura. Judy later married Robert Van Winkle and they had one child together, Dustin.

Judy was later reunited with and remarried Gene Colgrove and gained three 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 together in Topeka, Kansas.

Throughout her life, Judy worked many jobs, mostly focusing on helping others, as that was something she was passionate about. Judy died on Saturday, November 4, 2023, in Omaha, Nebraska, 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; sisters Thelma, Cathearn, and Eunice; brothers Paul and Bert; grandson Shane; great granddaughter Cassidy; and Gene Colgrove.

Judy is survived by her partner, Smokey, Topeka, KS; her children Michelle (Bert Carl) Colgrove, Bellevue, NE; Laura (Mike) Sumner, Port Orford, OR; Dustin (Jamie) Van Winkle, Noxapater, MS; and Dorothy (Tony) Steyer, Scottsbluff, NE; 19 grandchildren; 31 great grandchildren; brothers Charles (Maryann) Cowan, Gering, NE; William (Brenda) Cowan, Huntsville, AL; Robert (Valerie) Cowan, Scottsbluff, NE; and many other nieces, nephews, family and friends.

While Judy loved and enjoyed all of her grandchildren, she was especially close to her grandson Erik (Melissa) Gutierrez, Glenwood, IA; and granddaughter NoraJean Van Winkle, Noxapater, MS.

Celebration of Life to be held on June 21, 2024 in Scottsbluff, Nebraska.