Wilma A Bowers
1923-2014
Wilma Almy (Brownell) Bowers, age 91, passed away September 7, 2014 in Stanwood, WA. She was born January 16, 1923 in Haines, Oregon to Leona Belle (Vanderwall) and Edmund Almy Brownell, the youngest of four children. Her father died when she was 15, and she suddenly lost her friend.
She attended Muddy Creek School all 12 years, graduating in 1940, then went on to attend Eastern Oregon College. It was there she met George Gallaher Bowers, and they were married October 9, 1942. After finishing her teaching degree in 1943, she gave birth to her first child. When baby Cheryl was old enough to travel, they joined George in Oklahoma, where he was stationed for Army Air Corps pilot training. He was later stationed in Texas, and finally in Michigan, where the young couple buried an infant son, Wayne. Upon discharge from the Army in 1946, they returned to Oregon where George finished his schooling, became a teacher, and eventually a superintendent. Together they raised their seven children: Cheryl, Alan, Lee, Mary, Virginia, Loretta and Brian. When the youngest was entering middle school, Wilma continued her education at Western Washington to update her teaching certificate. She taught elementary school for twenty years, retiring from Pendleton, Oregon school District. George and Wilma moved to the Warm Beach Community in Stanwood in 2002.
Wilma enjoyed needlework crafts: knitting, sewing, crocheting, and embroidery; she taught these skills to all of their children. She was a wonderful singer, and loved to sing Soprano in the church choir. She was always very active in church. She faithfully remembered birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, mailing cards to her myriad of loved ones up until this last year.
Wilma is survived by her seven children: Cheryl Barron, Alan Bowers, Lee Bowers, Mary Helgeland, Virginia Purchase, Loretta Brown and Brian Bowers; 21 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and 2 on the way, also her 98 year old sister, AnneBelle Leland, she was able to visit with Wilma in the month before her passing.
Wilma is preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, sister: Jane Griffin, and brother Edmund Brownell.
Viewing will be held Thursday, September 11, 2014 and Friday September 12, 2014 9:00 am – 5:00 pm at Gilbertson Funeral Home. A Graveside Service will be held Saturday, September 13, 2014, 2:00 pm at Arlington Municipal Cemetery. A Memorial Reception will follow at Warm Beach Senior Community at 4:00pm.
Memorial contributions to Warm Beach Senior Community.
Please share your thoughts of Wilma and sign the online guest register at www.gilbertsonfh.com.
Arrangements are under the care of Gilbertson Funeral Home, 27001 88th Ave NW, Stanwood.