Lois Louise Bowman passed away on February 23, 2017 at Valley View Home of natural causes. She was born July 2, 1918 in Glasgow, Montana to Stuart and Quaint Brookie. Lois lived on her father’s homestead north of the Bjounberg Bridge. She was home schooled until the 6th grade and then attended the Stuff Country School with the Stuff, Canen and other neighboring families. Lois later attended and graduated high school at Hinsdale in 1936. Lois stayed at the Chester Hotel which was a dormitory for school kids. Her mother (Quaint) was guardian there for two years.
After graduation, Lois attended college at Bozeman majoring in Home Economics, graduating in 1940. She later taught Science and English in Valier, Montana where she met G. W. (Bill) Bowman, her future husband. After returning from military duty, Bill and Lois where married on May 13, 1945 at Opportunity, Washington.
The couple returned to the Saco area and took over the duties of working the family farm and ranch. Two children were added to the union, Georgia in 1947 and Jim in 1951. They also accepted Ben Ferguson as a foster child into the family.
Lois was a good cook but would rather be outside. She loved taking care of animals or driving tractor. She cared for the chickens, raised many pigs and would work diligently to revive a cold calf or sick animal. Lois enjoyed her flower gardens. Lois was probably happiest when in her tractor, cultivating or seeding crops. Lots of huge boulders were no match for her 145 or 835 Versatile.
With a family to feed, Lois spent much time cooking. It didn’t take her long to whip up a meal for anyone who showed up at the table. She enjoyed hosting family and friends and helped organize family reunions. Lois was active in the Methodist Church and community, she loved music and played piano and organ for church and many funerals, helped with the Summer Bible School, and 4-H and FFA supporter, Theta Roe leader, Rebecca and Eastern Star Member.
Lois enjoyed many arts and crafts but a favorite was wheat weaving.
Lois lived at the ranch until health problems arose. She called Nemont Manor, Prairie Ridge and Valley View all home and her family would like to thank all these people for the “helping hands” and kindness they showed.
Survivors include her daughter, Georgia (Art) Arnold of Saugerties, New York; son, Jim (Nancy) Bowman of Hinsdale, Montana; daughter-in-law, Carmen Ferguson of Ashland, Oregon; grandchildren, V.J. Ricci, David (Jen) Ricci, Jennifer (Jeremy) Engelin of New York, Sherri (Ky) Idler, Chad (Kristine) Bowman of Hinsdale, Scott (Joan) Ferguson of Cleveland, Ohio, Lisa (Neil) Grey of South Carolina, Steven (Cande) Ferguson of Washington, Jerry Arnold (Debbie) of Hinsdale and Amber (Jim) Cummings of Cape Cod, Mass; great-grandchildren Xavier and Gabriella Engelin; Loden, Montaya, Addison and Briggs Idler; Coy, Reese and Landry Bowman; Luke (Carlene) Griffis, Laura (Justin) Blake, Willow Grey,Tori Arnold, Kelcey Arnold, Chase Sherman and James Cummings; great-greatgrandchildren Audrey and Ana Blake, Colt Knaff, Kinna and Bo Griffis.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Stuart and Quaint “Dolly” Brookie; husband, G.W. “Bill” Bowman; foster son, Ben Ferguson and granddaughter, Susan Ferguson Griffis.
Service Schedule
Visitation
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Tuesday February 28, 2017
Bell Mortuary
701 2nd Ave. S.
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Funeral Service
1:00 PM
Wednesday March 1, 2017
United Methodist Church
303 Vagg Street
Saco, Montana 59261
Service Schedule
Visitation
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Tuesday February 28, 2017
Bell Mortuary
701 2nd Ave. S.
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Funeral Service
1:00 PM
Wednesday March 1, 2017
United Methodist Church
303 Vagg Street
Saco, Montana 59261
Pat Rice says
Georgia, I’m saddened to read about the death of your mother. I always enjoyed seeing her at the church services at Valley View. She was a sweet lady. I know you will miss her, just as I miss my mother. Pat Rice
Patrice says
I am so sorry for your great loss. May the God who “binds up the brokenhearted” and “comforts all who mourn” sustain your family during this challenging time. (Isaiah 61:1, 2 NWT)
With heartfelt sympathy,
Patrice
Laura says
To all of Lois’ family members, we are deeply saddened to hear of Lois’ passing. She was a strong woman and a great matriarch. She deeply loved her family, and was deeply loved by her family. May everyone’s happy memories help you all through this difficult time. Laura and Tom of Woodstock, NY.
Sue Lamb McQuillan says
Georgia and Jim: Your Mother was so beautiful inside and out. I remember her smile and the twinkle in her eye along with her laugh. Praying for comfort for you and all of your families.
Jane Arnott Loga says
Georgia and Jim, I so enjoyed seeing your mom in Malta when I was home a few years ago. She was always a special lady with a loving smile. Thoughts are with you.
JoAn Hill says
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Even when we know they are in a better place, it is still so hard to say good by to “Mom”….Much love, Bill and JoAn Hill
Marlene (Canen) Wilson says
Lois was such an integral part of our lives growing up. She and Bill always made us feel that we were not just the neighbor kids but treated us as if we were her family as well.
Lois encouraged all of us kids in our many endevours. She took the time to work with me when I started singing in high school by playing piano for me. My most fondest memories with Lois was having her play for me while I sang a song written by her good friend, Pansy Menge in the Saco Methodist Church.
I’m sorry I cannot be present as we say goodbye to this incredible lady. I can only imagine the great reunion that is going on in heaven now that she is there.
Laura Ewing Cattron says
So sorry for your loss Bowman family. I always enjoyed Visiting with her when we came to town. Lois will be missed by all. Laura Ewing Cattron