March 24, 1984 – March 31, 2025
Amanda Kay Thurston, age 41,resident of Fort Scott, Kansas passed away Monday March 31st, 2025 at her home. She was born March 24th, 1984 in Fort Scott Kansas to Billy and Pam Cowan. She graduated from Fort Scott High School in 2002,went on to Fort Scott Community College to play volleyball, and later graduated from Missouri Southern University with a bachelors in human resources and business.
She became a momma in 2004 to Teryn Kay Farley. She married Chris Thurston in August 2007, they later divorced, but from their marriage she had Bryton Henry Thurston September 2009. Amanda was a natural athlete, she loved competition, and grew up competing in all the sports. Amanda loved the outdoors, fishing, hunting, fire pits, and animals. She had a soft spot for the injured animals, and always seemed to find a way to bring them home. Her and her mom shared an unfortunate love for the Pittsburgh Steelers as well. Amanda had a big heart for the ones she loved, when she loved she loved hard. Her circle was called the Amanda-dome, and if you were in it, you were in it for life. She often told her parent’s that it was her world, and they were just living in it. She made her own rules, and was stubborn as the day was long. Amanda had a lot of good years, and if you knew our Amanda in her good years then you were blessed to know one of the best. Amanda was incredibly proud of her children, she loved them immensely, even on the tough days. It was no secret that she had some struggles, and spent the last few years fighting her inner demons. Our family has walked a road we wish on no one. Amanda is free of the demons, is no longer fighting, and has finally released the chains.
Amanda is survived by her parents Billy G. Cowan, and Pamela K. Ballou Cowan of Fort Scott. Her children, Teryn Kay Farley of Franklin Kansas and Bryton Henry Thurston Deerfield Missouri. Her siblings Josh and Chrystal Cowan, their children Raylee, Jace and Grady of Redfield, Kansas. Ashley and Tyler Valentine, their children Treyton and Ryland of Fort Scott. Paternal grandmother Margaret “Peggy” Cowan. Maternal grandparents Larry and Johnna “Kay” Ballou, all of Fort Scott. She was also survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather Gene Cowan.
There was cremation, and the family will have a celebration of life Monday April 7th from5-7 at Cheney Witt Chapel. Private family burial will follow at a later date.
Memorials are suggested to Fort Scott High School Zero Reasons Why, or Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online atcheneywitt.com
