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Service:
A Celebration of Life will take place at her home on
October 18th at 2 p.m.
Obituary
She was born on June 29th, 1928, to
Frank and Iva Bowns in Lincoln Illinois. Mary joined
her husband of more than 60 years Francis, daughter
Janice Sue, parents Frank and Iva Bowns (Naugle),
brothers Wayne (Bertie Lou), Jim and John and
sisters Helen Bowns and Mildred Fox (Bowns). Mary is
survived by sons David (Michelle), Terrence (Sophie)
and daughter Susan. Mary is also survived by
sister-in-law Beverly Bowns and Grandchildren
Connor, Tyrell and Kathryn. After Mary graduated
from high school she worked for the Lincoln Chamber
of Commerce and later in Bloomington for State Farm
with her best friend Bertie Lou Downing. Shortly
thereafter she met (blind date) and married Francis
Howerton who had just been discharged from the
Merchant Marines. Their daughter Janice was born and
following her passing they moved to Alhambra and
later Burbank, CA where David, Susan and Terry grew
up.
After retiring they moved to Mariposa, CA. Mary
loved traveling and every year they traveled back to
Illinois to see relatives. During this time her kids
became experts at picking out shapes and objects as
Mary was constantly pointing to the cloud formations
after seeing something resembling a dog, cat, bird,
etc... Mary loved reading, writing and reading
poetry and engaging with anyone in good conversation
and especially in later life enjoyed word puzzle
magazines. Mary's greatest enjoyment however came
from spending time with her Grandkids. Mary was a
devoted wife, loving Mother and Grandmother, great
friend and just an all around wonderful person to
all who knew her. Mary will be missed more than any
words can convey.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to World
Vision, Alzheimer's Foundation of America or
Compassionate Care (Hospice) of Fresno.
A Celebration of Life will take place
at her home on October 18th at 2 p.m.
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