Shirley Anne (Williams) Cowles, 91, of South Amherst died Monday, April 5, 2021 of natural causes at the Fisher Home for Hospice Care in Amherst.  Shirley was born August 29, 1929 in Pelham, Mass. at Mrs. Hamilton’s “Lying In Home” on Harkness Road.  She was the daughter of Leon Eugene Williams and Myrtle Lillian Olds of Belchertown.  She married Homer W. Cowles (deceased) of South Amherst where they raised eight children; Michael Cowles (Nancy Cominoli) of Belchertown, Robert Cowles of Amherst, Susan Crutch (Donald) of Amherst, Dan Cowles of Florida, Andrew Cowles (Jacqui) of Amherst, Nancy Kopec of Turners  Falls, Deborah Zonca (Wayne) of Galena, Illinois and Tim Cowles (deceased) of Amherst.Shirley was a proud graduate of Belchertown High School, class of 1947.  Much of her childhood free time and vacations were spent with her uncle. George Williams in Amherst.  Throughout her life she was involved in many community activities that revolved around the South Congregational Church; Thursday Club, Alpine Garden Club, Sunday school, Church Fair and several church committees.  Shirley was for many years a town meeting member and served on several town boards.Shirley was an avid craftswomen, noted for her knitting, counted cross stitch, needle work and furniture stenciling.  Shirley leaves behind 11 grandchildren;  Brian and Matthew Crutch of Hadley, Jennifer Cadran of Gill, Mass, Julianna Leccese of Northfield, Vermont, Emily and Matt Zonca of Chicago, Illinois, Tim and Leah Eve-Cowles of Amherst, John, Chris and Andy Cowles of Belchertown and 5 great grandchildren. A grave side service will be held Saturday June 26, 2021 at 10:00 am in the South Amherst Cemetery. Donations in her memory may be made to the Fisher Home of Amherst, 1165 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, Mass. 01002. Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com