LuAnn Sommer Cowan Robertson

LuAnn Sommer Cowan Robertson was born in Dayton, Ohio at Wright Patterson Airforce Base on November 1, 1955. The family moved to Lebanon, Indiana a year later when LuAnn turned 1. She spent her entire childhood in Lebanon, Indiana and graduated from Lebanon High School in 1974 as valedictorian. She attended Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana – attaining her Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 1979 and was awarded the “most likely to succeed as a community pharmacist” award. She served as vice president for her sorority, Alpha Phi – where she met lifelong sisters. LuAnn received her MBA from Indiana University’s School of Business in 1989.

LuAnn’s passion for her profession began when she started working in the drug store with her father, Max Cowan, at the age of 5. Following graduation from Purdue, LuAnn practiced as a pharmacist at Revco in South Bend, Indiana for two years before having the opportunity to work alongside her father – becoming a partner in 1983. LuAnn worked with Max for many wonderful years together until Max retired and her brother became part owner in 1993.

LuAnn was a pillar of the Lebanon community – serving as a business owner, community leader, a church leader, and a friend to all.

LuAnn was a life-long member of Central Christian Church where she served as a Sunday School Teacher, Youth Director, Organist, Deacon, and Elder. LuAnn was a member of the Ulen Country Club for 43 years and served as President of the Ladies Golf League and later served as Treasurer.

Among LuAnn’s many awards, 3 in particular include the Zonta Business Woman of the year in 2005, the Lebanon Education Foundation Distinguished Service Award in 2006, and the Boone County Health Care Provider of the Year in 2022.

She was a special human being, inside and out, and for those who knew her, and there were many – family, friends, associates, and neighbors – she will be remembered for her intelligence, loyalty, business acumen, kindness, resilience, toughness, love of travel, adventurousness, courageousness... she was a dancing queen, a warrior, an old and honest soul, a champion, a “kali mama,” a friend.

Preceding LuAnn in death include her sister, Cheryl Ann Cowan and her parents, Max and Arloine Cowan. She is survived by her sons, Chase and Dane Robertson; her partner, Gary Barrickman; and her brother, John Cowan (Brian Ojala).

The Cowan family established the Lebanon Education Foundation Cheryl Ann Cowan Scholarship Fund in 1996 and continued to sponsor the scholarship throughout LuAnn’s life. Donations may be made to this scholarship fund, the Central Christian Church in Lebanon, Indiana, the Boone County Cancer Society, or any charity of choice.

Family and friends will gather Thursday, June 12, for visitation from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the Strawmyer & Drury Mortuary, 2400 N. Lebanon Street, Lebanon. A funeral service will be held Friday, June 13, at 11 a.m. in the Central Christian Church, 311 E. Main Street, Lebanon. LuAnn will be laid to rest at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lebanon.