Mary I. Bowles

View Video Tribute Mary Irene Bowles, 94, of Keokuk, IA, died Thursday, March 8, 2012 at the Country Aire Retirement Estates in Lewistown, MO. She was born August 22, 1917 in Quincy, IL the daughter of John and Dora Robertson Bergman. In 1937 she was united in marriage to Grant E. Bowles in Hamilton, MO. He preceded her in death in 1963. Mary had been employed at JCPenny Co. in Keokuk, IA as a sales clerk for twenty-three years, retiring in 1987. Mary was a member of First Christian Church in Keokuk, IA and a member of Mary's Class and the church circle. She was also a member of JCPenny's Retirees Coffee Club. Mary and Grant lived in Lewis County, MO before moving to a farm in Keokuk in 1957. She continued to live on that farm until 2010, at which time she moved to Country Aire Estates in Lewistown, Mo. Mary enjoyed gardening, yard work and watching the river from her deck. She loved having her grandchildren and great-granddaughters around her. She is survived by three daughters, Marcia Howren of Dothan, AL, Carol Davis of Kalona, IA and Jamie Bowles of Lewistown, MO, five grandchildren, Callie Borders and her husband Nick, Cecilee Radel and her husband Adam, Otis Houston, Jon Howren and Ryan Davis, and three great-granddaughters, Audrey and Ella Borders and Eva Radel. Mary was also preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Frances, two brothers, Anton Bergman and Walter Bergman, one granddaughter, Monica Jones, one grandson, Chad Little and four step-brothers, and one step-sister. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m., Monday, March 12th 2012 at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA with Pastor Cathie Courtois officiating. Burial was in the Keokuk National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church of Keokuk, IA.