WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Barbara J. Bowerman, 86, of Burr Oak, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2010, in the Sturgis Hospital emergency room.
Barbara was born Aug. 31, 1924, in Bronson Township, a daughter of the late Ansel M. and Elma (Franz) Shaw.
Barbara had lived most of her life on Shawtown Road in Bronson Township, graduating from Bronson High School with the class of 1942. She then furthered her education at Michigan State University for two years.
On March 1, 1946, she married Merlin Bowerman in Burr Oak. He preceded her in death on July 15, 1999.
Barbara had worked at the former Rubber Products Company in Burr Oak, Douglas Manufacturing in Bronson, former Lamb Knit Goods Company in Colon and retired from Freeman Manufacturing Company in Sturgis.
Barbara was a homemaker and a member of the Burr Oak United Methodist Church and belonged to the U.M.W. She enjoyed sewing and knitting and was an avid reader. She had been a 4-H leader for many years.
She is survived by four daughters, Linda Gildea of Middleville, Alice (George) Murrey of Albuquerque, N.M., Beverly (Stephen) Calloway of Burr Oak and Ellen (Keith) Rocho of Centreville; two sons, David (Rushnee) Bowerman of Encino, Calif., and Donald Bowerman of Burr Oak; 15 grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Donna (Dale) Kline of White Pigeon and Mary Ann (Willard) Kime of Quartz Side, Ariz.; a brother, James (Eleanor) Shaw of Bronson; a sister-in-law, Marilyn Shaw of Burr Oak; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by a brother, Alvin Shaw.
The family will receive relatives and friends from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Sunday at Schipper Funeral Home in Colon. Funeral services celebrating the life of Barbara J. Bowerman will at 11 a.m. Monday at Burr Oak United Methodist Church, with Pastor Donald Graham officiating. A committal service and burial will follow at South Colon Cemetery.
If desired, the family suggest memorials be made in memory of Barbara to the Burr Oak United Methodist Church.
