Betty Bowers

Betty Jane Bowers passed away in peace on Sunday, February 7, 2010. Born January 13, 1923, in Chicago, Illinois, to Charles and Flossie Turley, Betty grew up on the south side of Chicago, two doors from the love of her life, Victor Bowers. They were married on February 9, 1946, in Chicago. Betty graduated from Avalon Park Elementary, Hirsch High School, Wilson Junior College, and then attended the University of Illinois in Champaign where she was a proud Delta Gamma. They lived in Evanston, IL, during Victor’s residency, then the Great Lakes Naval Station during the Korean War where he served as the base obstetrician, and she tended to their growing family. They moved to Rockford, IL, in 1954, and there they raised their three boys. In Rockford Betty enjoyed playing tennis and supporting Wesley Willows, Court Street United Methodist Church, and the Hospital Auxiliary. When Victor retired in 1984, they moved north and spent the next 25 years on Fence Lake in Lac du Flambeau, Wisconsin. Betty was a member of the Church of the Pines, the Red Hat Ladies, the Hospital Auxiliary, and the Happy Hookers. She loved playing Uno, golf, dominoes, and checkers with her grandchildren. Many quiet summer evenings at the lake were interrupted by the uproar of grandchildren and their grandma laughing and playing cards on the porch. A gracious lady with a warm smile, she provided encouragement to everyone she met. A strong spirit and positive outlook guided her through life, especially during Victor’s declining health and long stay at Dr. Kate’s Nursing Home. Her daily visits sustained and encouraged him. Betty was devoted to her husband, her family, and her friends. Betty is survived by her sons: Victor (Ann) Bowers, Delavan, Wisconsin; Brian (Julie) Bowers, Kansas City, Missouri; and David (Bridget) Bowers, Rockford, Illinois, her grandchildren: Matthew (Lisa) Bowers, Berkeley, California, Nicholas Bowers, Hobe Sound, Florida, Katherine Bowers, Oak Brook, Illinois, Robert Bowers, Iowa City, Iowa, Daniel and Hannah Bowers, Rockford, Illinois; and her first great grandchild: Mae Bowers, Berkeley, California. Predeceased by her loving husband, Victor in 2007, daughter-in-law Dannette in 2006, parents Charles and Flossie Turley, sister Alice Turley Grimes, and brother, Richard Turley. The family would like to thank The Seasons of Life Hospice House for helping Betty through her last days. It has been a comfort knowing she was in their care. A memorial service to celebrate Betty’s life will be held 11 AM Friday, February 26, 2009, at the Church of the Pines in Minocqua, Wisconsin. A memorial fund has been established in Betty’s name for the building fund at Church of the Pines.

Betty Bowers

January 13, 1923 - February 7, 2010