August 17, 2006

DOROTHY IRENE BOWDISH
(9/27/1916 – 8/6/2006)

Dorothy Irene Bowdish, 89, of Memphis passed away August 6, 2006, at Scotland County Memorial Hospital in Memphis.

She was born the daughter of William Henry and Odessa (Lore) Hartman on September 27, 1916 in Valentine, Nebraska.

Dorothy was married to Steve Bowdish on March 11, 1933 in Valentine. He preceded her in death on August 31, 1993.

To this union, seven children were born: Eugene Clifford, Darlene Beverly, Richard Duane, Carolyn Joyce, Karen Lorraine, Steven Lee, and Cheryl Elane.

The Bowdishs worked on a ranch in Nebraska after their marriage. They then moved to Missouri where they farmed. After moving to Memphis, Steve and Dorothy owned and operated an upholstery shop.

Dorothy was a member of the First Christian Church in Memphis. She enjoyed sewing, cooking, and working on upholstery with Steve.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughters, Carolyn Tuck and Cheryl Snowbarger; a grandson, Merlyn Tuck; four brothers and five sisters.

She is survived by: her sons, Eugene and wife Rosie Bowdish of Davenport, IA, Richard Bowdish of Merriam, KS, and Steve and wife Donna Bowdish of Philadelphia, MO; her daughters, Darlene and husband Bill Crouch of Albany, MO and Karen and husband Kermit Small of Baring; a son-in-law, Minor Tuck of Baring; 21 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held August 9, 2006 at the Gerth Funeral Chapel in Memphis with Brother Jack Sumption, pastor of the First Christian Church in Memphis, officiating. Burial was in the Memphis Cemetery.

Jason Small, James Curry, Andrew Mallett, Brett Neisen, Brent Bowdish and Bob Crouch served as pallbearers.

Memorials have been suggested to the First Christian Church and can be left at or mailed to the Gerth Funeral Chapel, 115 S. Main, Memphis, MO, 63555.

Condolences may be sent to Mrs. Bowdish’s family via email at gerths@gerths.com.

Arrangements were under the direction of Gerth Funeral Service from its Memphis chapel.