Obituary of Gina Marie Cousins

Iowa City, Iowa

Gina Marie Milligan Cousins, 72, passed away Tuesday, October 15, 2019 at her home surrounded by her loving family and friends.

Gina was born January 20, 1947 in Muscatine, Iowa the daughter of William Ronald Jr. and Regina Marie (Kaalberg) Milligan. She was a 1965 graduate of Columbus High School in Waterloo and attended the University of Northern Iowa. On April 20, 1968 she was united in marriage to Ronald Lee Cousins in Waterloo. In 1977 they moved to the West Branch area where Gina had been employed and volunteered in the West Branch School System for many years, she also worked various other jobs through the years but they were always taken with the understanding that the schedule must be flexible to accommodate the needs of her children. She was a member of the West Branch United Methodist Church where she was active in choir, children's choir, youth groups, UMW, many committees in addition to serving as a Sunday School teacher. She was a Girl Scout leader for 25 years, worked with the Boy Scouts for 15 years and enjoyed reading. Everyone she loved was considered by her to be family and she was known to most as “Mom".

She is survived by her husband Ronald Cousins of Iowa City. Three children: Ronnie Cousins of Iowa City, Caren Cousins of Des Moines and Katie (Josh) Sabourin of Springdale. Five siblings: Barb (Jim) Oberle of Waverly, IA, William Milligan of Waverly, IA, Jack (Cindy) Milligan of Ballwin, MO, Joe (Kim) Milligan of Blountstown, FL, Chris (Karen) Milligan of Denver, IA and many nieces & nephews. Preceding her in death were her parents and an infant brother Dennis Alan Milligan.

A celebration of life will be held 11 A.M. Friday, October 25, 2019 at the United Methodist Church in West Branch. Immediately after the graveside service a luncheon will be held at the church, the celebration of Gina's life will continue at she and Ron's home where her wish of a "party after her funeral" and bon fire will be held at 3533 Utah Ave NE, Iowa City. Visitation will be Thursday October 24th from 4 to 7 P.M. at the Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Branch. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.hendersonbarkerfuneralhome.com. A memorial fund has been established.