Mary Jane Bowman

GOSHEN — Mary Jane Bowman, 84, of Goshen, passed away peacefully at her home following a brief illness at 9:47 a.m. Saturday, June 23, 2018.

She was born March 13, 1934, in Detroit, to the late Harry L. and Gertrude (Manning) Bowman, and leaves behind her husband of 61 years, Pastor Ronald P. “Ron” Bowman, whom she married March 23, 1957. 

Also surviving are her sons, Andrew (Jamie), Mark (Robyn), Pete (Susan), Steve (Kelli) and Joe Bowman; brothers George (Billie Jean), Charles (Kathy) and Gordon (Paula) Bowman; and 15 grandchildren. 

Preceding her in death were brothers Milford and Harry Bowman and her eldest son, Tim Bowman. 

Friends and family of Mary Jane may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 27, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2715 E. Jackson Blvd., Elkhart. 

A funeral service will follow there at 1 p.m. Thursday, June 28, with visitation beginning at noon, and a procession will then leave for Little Pine Cemetery in Goshen, where graveside services will take place. 

Billings Funeral Home of Elkhart is assisting the family with arrangements.

Mary Jane was a 1952 graduate from Redford High School and was awarded a full scholarship to Grace Nursing School in Detroit where she earned her degree and became a registered nurse. 

She loved caring for others and did so at various area nursing homes and hospitals across northern Indiana. 

After marrying her husband Ron, she went on and served faithfully alongside him during his 42 years of active ministry in the North and Indiana United Methodist Conferences. 

She was also very active in the Bashor Children’s Home Auxiliary and attended the Naomie Circle of United Methodist Women.

In her free time, Mary Jane enjoyed gardening, canning, baking bread, watching her backyard birds and attending her grandchildren’s many activities. 

But she will be best remembered for her strong Christian faith and her love for her husband, sons and grandchildren.

Memorial donations may be given to the Bashor Children’s Home or to Trinity United Methodist Church.

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