WAKARUSA — Juanita Eileen Bowen, 90, of Wakarusa, passed away Thursday, Dec. 18, at the Elkhart Hospice House.

She was born Nov. 26, 1924, in Michigan City, to George E. and Jessie (Miller) Crosby.

On Nov. 23, 1947, she married Wiman E. "Gene" Bowen in LaPorte. He preceded her in death Nov. 20, 2014.

Surviving are her two sons, Terry L. Bowen of Gooding, Idaho, and Roger (Karen Housour) Bowen of Wakarusa; two daughters, Cheryl Mast of Elkhart and Barbara Fox of Wyatt; six grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Frances Morris and Evelyn Heminger; two brothers, Glen and Ralph Crosby; and a son-in-law, Mark Fox.

Juanita spent many years working as a homemaker. She loved cooking, and she often enjoyed craft work and especially making Christmas tree ornaments. She enjoyed spending time with her family and her extended church family.

The family will receive friends for an hour prior to the funeral service at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23, at Osceola Church of the Brethren, 58362 Beech Road, Osceola. Pastor Jerry Brenneman will officiate.

Interment will follow in Prairie Street Cemetery, Elkhart.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart.

Memorial contributions may be made to Osceola Church of the Brethren or the Center for Hospice Care.

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