Shirley Bowman

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Shirley Bowman, 80 of Billings,  passed away Thursday, September 10, 2009. Shirley was born February 5,1929 in Bridgeport, Illinois, the daughter of Roger Q.M. Lewis and Clora (Stiver) Lewis. She spent her early years in Illinois and upon graduating from Bridgeport High School was honored for the student with the most outside activities. She was always proud to say she was a "Bridgeport Bulldogs" cheerleader.

Shirley married, Ralph T. Bowman, in Denver, Colorado on November 25, 1947 and they spent 61 + wonderful years together. Their first two children Melanie and Mark born in Denver. In 1955 they moved to Vernal, UT where their third child Jan was born. The family made their final move to Billings, MT in 1964 where she resided her final 45 years.

Shirley attended radio school in Omaha, NE, worked for Chicago Southern Airlines in St Louis, and did some modeling in St. Louis and Denver. In Denver, Shirley worked for the Office of Rent control. In Billings, Shirley sold Avon, and worked 19 years for the Social Security Administration retiring in 1991.

She volunteered with Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, serving as Utah State Head of Girl Scout Council, taught Sunday School, and helped out with Parents Let's Unite for Kids. She was a 45 year member of the First Congregational UCC Church and dearly loved her fellowship there. She was a 62 year member of P .E.O.  As a member of Chapter AE in Billings she loved her P.E.O. sisters very much. She and Ralph spent several winters in Phoenix, loved to travel, play cards, swim, and was a lifetime reader. She enjoyed family get togethers and going to her grandchildren’s activities.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters Sue Wathen and Mary Ann Simms. Shirley is survived by her husband Ralph; daughter Melanie Eldridge of Phoenix; son Mark of Billings; daughter and son-in- law Jan and Dennis Duffy of Billings; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a sister Ellen Maberry of Texas; and brother Roger Lewis of Illinois.

Shirley will be missed by all the people that knew Her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, or First Congregational UCC Church, 310 North 27th St, Billings, MT 59101.

Cremation has taken place.  Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Friday, September 18, 2009 at First Congregational Church. 

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Remembrances

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Hi, Jan and family,

Just wanted to extend my condolences, but also let you know that I have many wonderful memories of time spent at your house with you, your mom and dad, and all your family. Getting to go to your house for lunch was a treat, having Mac and Cheese and getting to sit at the bar downstairs, I'll never forget! I remember we'd help your mom sort Avon orders, and skating in your back yard was a blast! So many great memories, and your mom was a big part of them! So sorry for your loss, you're all in my thoughts and prayers.

Kris (VanWinkle) Ostwalt

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I had the opportunity to work with Shirley when I first went to work for SSA. She was friendly, outgoing and a class act. She was fun, smart and funny. She always had an opinion and it was always right. Classy lady, she will be missed. Ralph, you and your family will be in our prayers.

Daniel Hart

Grand Forks ND

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Ralph & family:

We were sorry to hear about Shirley. She was such a wonderful person, always remembering everyone's birthday and just a very caring person. Rick and I spent many hours with Shirley & Ralph playing cards and laughing.

I met Shirley when I first went to work for Social Security in Billings in 1988 and we were friends since then. She was a wonderful person to work with and we had a lot of laughs and good times and she will be missed. Our sympathy to all her family and friends. I'm sorry we won't be there to share in her memorial service. Love, Nancy & Rick Gorman

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