WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Estelle A. Bowlby, age 79, of Jones, passed away Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo. She was born October 1, 1946 in Kalamazoo, a daughter of John and Rosalie (Leahy) McHale. Estelle graduated from Catholic School in Chicago. On April 24, 1971 she married Terry Bowlby at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bristol, IN.
Estelle worked as a playground supervisor for Marcellus Community School until her retirement after 25 years of service. She had previously been employed by Meijer, Three Rivers, Hickory Inn, Jones, and Ventline in Bristol. Estelle was a member of the St Joe Valley Old Engine Club and the Kalamazoo Valley Antique Engine & Machinery Club. Most of all she loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Surviving are her husband Terry Bowlby, Jones; son Matthew (Mandy) Bowlby, St. Ignace; daughter Jeanette (Travis) Wilson, Holland; grandchildren Abigail Wilson, Delaney Wilson, Landon Wilson, Mckale Bowlby; sister Joan Anne O’Hara, Wilmington, IL; brother-in-law James Gross, Bristol, IN; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; and sister Ellen McHale and Rosalie Gross.
Relatives and friends will be received Thursday, Oct. 9 at Eley Funeral Home in Constantine, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held Friday at 10:00 AM at Immaculate Conception Church in Three Rivers with Fr. Arul Lazar officiating. Burial will follow in Poe’s Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be directed to St. Joe Valley Old Engine Club. Visit Estelle’s online memorial page to leave a message for her family at www.eleyfuneralhomes.com.
