Kathleen LaVonne Bowers, 93, of Aurora, Nebraska, left this earth for her heavenly home on August 16, 2023.

Kathleen was born on September 2, 1929 to Esther and Ernest Judy in Norton, Summit County, Ohio, at her uncle’s house. She graduated from Barberton High School in 1947. She was an excellent student, especially in her Business classes, which led to secretarial jobs, working for Dow Chemical and Social Security.

Kathleen met her future husband, Richard Alvin Bowers at the Barberton First Baptist Church in 1949, at a church social where they were repairing toys and making Taffy. The couple married on September 6, 1952, at the same church. They were blessed with two children, Gary Dale in 1961 and Linda Kay in 1962. After their births, Kathleen devoted herself to her family and home full time. She was always ready to listen to her children and grandchildren when they dropped by to chat, showing them all that they were the most important thing in her life!

Richard’s career in nursing took the family all across the country. They enjoyed living in many different locations, allowing them to explore new sights. The family enjoyed camping and had many adventures with their children and grandchildren.

Kathleen’s relationship with her Savior, Jesus Christ, was very important to her. As a young teenager, she even made sure her brothers and sisters got to church each Sunday. And her future mother-in-law, Mary Bowers, was her Sunday School teacher at one point. Kathleen was an active member of each church she attended, often teaching Sunday School and working in the nursery.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Bowers after 67 years of marriage; her parents, Esther and Ernest Judy; her siblings Dwight Judy, Arthur Judy, and Joy Scheetz; and a granddaughter, Kristin Barrett. She is survived by her children Gary (Shauna) Bowers of Sheridan, WY, and Linda (James) Barrett of Hastings, NE; grandchildren Danielle (Samuel) Bayliss of Ranchester, WY, Kristi (Eric) Holifield of Sheridan, WY, Joshua (Roger) Barrett of Chievres, Belgium, Kimberly (Daniel) Buller of Hastings, NE, Holly (Andrew) Fauth of Sheridan, WY, Paul Bowers (fiancé Chelsea Clarkson) of Sheridan, WY, Nathan Barrett of Gainsville, FL, and Larissa Barrett of Hastings, NE; great grandchildren Tristan, Riley & Caroline Holifield of Sheridan, WY, Benjamin, Sophia, Emma & Noah Buller of Hastings, NE, and Matthias & Gabriella Bayliss of Ranchester, WY. She was dearly loved and is already sorely missed!

A memorial service will take place in Sheridan, Wyoming. The family is very grateful for the wonderful care given to Kathleen during the nine months she lived at Memorial Community Care in Aurora, Nebraska!

A graveside memorial service will be held at 10 am on Saturday, September 2, 2023 with Pastor Chad Cowan officiating at Sheridan Municipal Cemetery Juniper Heights, old section of the cemetery.

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