Janet Sue Bowman

Janet Bowman, age 82, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2024. She was born October 1, 1941 in Bloomington, IN to Ross and Millie (Butcher) Sexton. She grew up in Bloomington and graduated from Bloomington High School. She meet Ronald E. Bowman in early 1962 and married him in August 3, 1962. She was a devoted wife for 57 years, before his death November 2019.

Janet always wanted to be surrounded by freinds and family, with her countless family fish fries, holiday parties at their Florida home, and music events with friends. Janet LOVED TO TALK TO EVERYONE, and never met a stranger. Many times left behind by Ronnie and the boys, while talking to a stranger on the street. Janet being raised as a city girl had to learn quickly the life of a farm wife: chasing cows, gardening, and dealing with the farm animals including the chickens when they would get let out. She was a devoted mother to her three sons, Mark, Melvin, and Don, running the roads getting them to sporting events and cooking them countless meals. Ron and Janet were blessed with a "bonus" son Danny. The family was blessed that Danny and Cheryl were near them in Florida in the their final years to help with taking care of them. Her grandchildren were her "doll babes" and she loved the time getting to spend with them anytime she could.

While caring for a family, she still found time to work outside of the home. She had several different jobs: RCA, CP electronics, and Bartholomew County school system in the cafeteria. It was important to Ron and Janet to take their boys on many vacations traveling the United States. We are fortunate that Janet always made memories on those trips to give us our "Janet stories" that we will share forever. Her inquisitive mind will forever make us laugh when we visit NASA.

Janet is survived by 3 sons and their wives, Melvin (Janene) Bowman (Bonney Lake, WA), Donald (Jody) Bowman (Georgetown, KY), and Danny (Cheryl) Engleking (Bellevue, FL); grandchildren Malory (Matt) Thompson, Bradley Engleking, Ashley (Kyle) Rosen, Abby (Jacob) Murphy, and Cody Bowman; Allisa (Nick) Metcalf, Chris (Stephanie) Bolle, Robyn (Patrick) Young; 14 great grandchildren; and her many nieces and nephews; plus a host of other family and friends. She is preceded in death by her oldest son Mark Bowman.

Janet Bowman’s Memorial will be Saturday 9/28 at 12pm to 1pm at Sherwood Oaks Christian Church,

2700 E. Rogers Road; Bloomington, IN 47401. A Family & Friend Potluck Luncheon will follow directly after.

Burial of Janet and Ron Bowman’s ashes will be held Friday 9/27 at 10am for the family at Knightridge Cemetery; 6800 E. Gross Rd; Bloomington, IN 47401