Mary Ann Bowman's Obituary
Mrs. Bowman passed away Tuesday, April 19, 2016. Mary Ann was born July 15, 1932 to Wilbur and Mary Bentley in Muskegon; and she married Ellis (Al) Bowman March 17, 1951. A lifelong area resident, she retired from Johnson Technologies; and had been a volunteer at Mercy Hospital Gift Shop and the Frauenthal Center.
Mary Ann was a loving mother and grandmother and was overjoyed that she was able to hold her newest great-grandbabies Ella and Porter prior to her passing. She had a great sense of humor and generous heart.
Mary Ann enjoyed traveling and surprised her family- and her travelling companion, niece Joan Bowman - with her daring when she went parasailing during her trip to Australia. Traveling to Ireland with her good friend Ruth Treptow and kissing the Blarney Stone provided her with cherished memories; as did other trips with good friends.
Mary Ann was an avid fan of the Detroit Tigers and was happy she was able to somewhat enjoy the start of the 2016 season. She would often doze off during the games but would ask what the score was when she awoke; one time saying “Oh, crap” when she was told the pitcher gave up three runs in one inning. Mary Ann had been a softball manager years ago for the softball team at Johnson Technologies with her young daughter, Sherri, acting as her assistant.
Survivors include her daughters: Brenda Jackson, Norton Shores; Linda (Charles) Cihak, N. Muskegon; Sherri Bowman, Irving, TX; grandchildren: Adam (Amanda) Shepard; Rose Samples; Charles (Amanda) Cihak; MacKenzie (Michael) Richardson; Leslie Cihak; Zachary Jackson; Whitney Cihak; Stephen Rogan; 15 great-grandchildren: Pfc Jonathan Shepard, Karley Briggs, Brendan and Brynne Tober; Ethan, Branden, Jordan, Jaxen and newborn - Ella; Kayla and Cameron Cihak; Avery, Lucas and newborn - Porter Richardson; Bayler Cihak; close friend and sister-in-law Aletha (Chuck) Ellsworth, Houghton Lake; several nieces and nephews; and several dear friends including Vera Broadbent. Preceded in death by her husband (1988); grandson Ryan Shepard (1999); son-in-law Joe Jackson (2003), and brothers, Robert and Donald (and his wife Bev) Bentley, Richard Dykstra; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Gene and Bertha Bowman; and niece-in-law Toni Bentley.
Mary Ann’s family extends their heartfelt thanks to Harbor Hospice and especially the staff at Poppen House for providing loving care the last weeks of her life.
A service celebrating her life will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the Lee Chapel, 6291 S. Harvey St. (231) 798-1100, with the Rev. Daniel Anderson officiating. Visitation with the family with will be 6-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Interment will be in Mona View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to Harbor Hospice Poppen House or Senior Resources.
What’s your fondest memory of Mary Ann?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mary Ann?
Share a story where Mary Ann's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mary Ann you’ll never forget.
How did Mary Ann make you smile?
