Melba Jean Bowen

Melba Jean Bowen, 85, Nevada, Mo., passed away on Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018, at Medicalodges in Nevada following a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s. From her birth on Nov. 6, 1932, until her death, she nourished people around her with love, faith, and beauty.

Melba, the youngest of six children, was born on a farm near Nevada to Charles Ira and Prudie Ann (Dark) Garwood. Melba and her husband, Lee Bowen, were married on Dec. 31, 1950, in Nevada, Mo. She was a dedicated wife and mother, and ran her own clothing store in Nevada. Melba lived most of her life in Nevada. In 1982, she and Lee moved to Stockton, Mo., where they resided until 2014, at which time they returned to Nevada. She was a longtime member of Pine Street Baptist Church in Nevada. Melba will be remembered as a bright shining light by all she touched.

Left to honor Melba and remember her love is her husband, Lee Bowen; one son, Douglas (Michelle) Bowen; one sister, Dorothea Meritt; two grandchildren, Jessica (Joshua) Collins and Paul Bowen; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Mabel Janssens, Chester, Buford, and Clarence Garwood.

Private family services will be held at Moore Cemetery.

The Bowen family would like to extend our gratitude to all the staff at Heartland Hospice in Butler, Mo., for their attentiveness and loving care. In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Melba’s name to Heartland Hospice in care of Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.