Mary E. Bowman

Mary Ellen Bowman, age 86, of Enid, Oklahoma, formerly of Emporia, Kansas, passed away on Friday, August 19, 2022, in Enid, Oklahoma.

Mary was born on July 6, 1936, at Bronson, Kansas. She was the fifth of six children born to Charles Birtty Nickelson and Cementha (Worthington) Nickelson. Mary grew up in Moran and Garnett, attending high at Garnett. Following high school Mary was united in marriage to James Mowat in Garnett. Two daughters, Barbara and Connie were born to their union. Mary and James later divorced. Mary was united in marriage to Vernon Bowman on June 21, 1980, in Salina, Kansas. They made their home in Salina for a brief time before moving to Emporia where they lived for over thirty years. In May of 2022 Mary moved to Enid, Oklahoma to be closer to her family as her health was declining.

Mary worked various jobs before going to work in the Dillons warehouse in Emporia. She took immense pride in her work, checking in the vendors at the warehouse, and making many friends through the process. Vernon and Mary enjoyed going to local dances and attending concerts to hear their favorite country music artists. Vernon would tell Mary to "get your coat" and they would take off on a trip. They traveled throughout the United States making countless spots at historical landmarks along the way. Mary also enjoyed collecting Barbie dolls for many years. Family Christmas will not be the same without a visit to her house and taking in all of the decorations she painstakingly put out for the holiday. Mary passed her sweet tooth on to other members of the family, but it was impossible to not have a sweet tooth if you ever tasted her brownies or cherry pie. In her free time, Mary was an avid reader and amassed her own private library, she also loved flowers and decorating. Mary's family was the most important part of her life; she was immensely proud of her grandchildren and their accomplishments. She will be missed as future birthdays and holidays will not be the same without a card in the mail from mom or grandma. Mary always wanted her family to know they were loved, she would end each call or visit with "I love you and be sure to call when you get home."

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings; her husband, Vernon Bowman on April 13, 2014; daughter, Barbara Dyer on April 15, 2020; and grandson, Joseph Dyer on August 24, 2012.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Connie Alcorn and husband, Michael of Enid, Oklahoma; four grandchildren and their families, Justin Dyer and fiance Lisa Davis and children, Ashlynn, Sean, and Ryan of Pomona, Kansas, Jeremiah Alcorn and son, Alex, Michelle Alcorn, and Katy Cerezo and husband, Alex all of Enid, Oklahoma; son in law, Mike Dyer of Pomona, Kansas.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, August 26, 2022, at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel, 219 S. Oak St., Garnett, Kansas. Burial will follow in the Garnett Cemetery. Condolences to the family may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com .

Mary Bowman's funeral service can be watched here:
https://vimeo.com/743549849