Rose Pizzuto Bowers

Rose Pizzuto Bowers born on November 9, 1934 in Odin, Illinois went to walk with her Lord and Savior on January 9, 2026. She joined her Father Michael Pizzuto, from Palermo, Sicily, and Mother Camille Scarpullo, from New Orleans, Louisiana. There were always questions about her date of birth because the hospital burned down along with all documents. The hospital said she was born on the 10th, her parents said she was born on the 9th. Generally speaking, she enjoyed celebrating both days and sometimes all week! Her father was a foreman for the railroad, and her mother was a homemaker

She joined her siblings, Ralph, Joe, Virginia (Ginny), Tony and Charlie. Her sister Mary was born after her. All are deceased.

She was 8 or 9 years younger than her youngest sibling so she had a lot of big brothers’ and sisters’ support. They lived in a two-story home by the railroad tracks so her dad was close to work. She was a fun-loving child with attitude! Being her father’s favorite, she would often enjoy eating dinner on his lap. Rosie was an excellent student through elementary school which continued into her adult life. Education was extremely important, pursuing each academic challenge with determination and excellence.

At 10 years of age, Rosie’s father passed away at 72 years of age. The years after his death were difficult ones financially but there was always plenty of love. During WWII, her three brothers served in various branches of service often sending small gifts home from where they were stationed overseas.

Rosie was a natural performer as a child. She was in numerous plays, musicals, school productions, and a young majorette. Any time on stage was a good time! Many of her friends and family could see this trait in her personality throughout her life.

Rosie was a cheerleader in high school. There were only two sports at her school, basketball and baseball. She received the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen award, as chosen by her high school, for dependability, leadership, service, and patriotism. She graduated as a salutatorian from Odin High School. The principal of the high school saw Rosies academic aptitude and encouraged her to go to college. There were no funds for college available for her. He had contacts at Missouri Baptist Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri and introduced them to Rosie. She received a scholarship and stipend of $30 per month to attend nursing school there. She began her academic endeavor on August 25, 1952. During her schooling, she received many awards and scholarships for her Outstanding Achievements each year. She modeled Nursing uniforms and Caps to help fund her education. She graduated with a diploma in nursing in 1955 and began her career as an operating room nurse, continuing that path throughout her career.

During nursing school, she attended church at Third Baptist Church, St. Louis, Missouri where she met Robert Bowers “Bob”. They were married October 20th, 1956, and remained married until Bob's passing in 2022, raising three children Pamela, Joseph(deceased), and Jennifer. Bob had been drafted shortly before their wedding and had to leave for boot camp a week after their marriage. He was then stationed in San Francisco, California, at the Presidio. While driving from St. Louis to San Francisco she often told the story of seeing the atom bomb testing. They were in San Francisco for two years and during that time welcomed a daughter, Pamela. She worked at St. Francis Memorial Hospital in the OR. After Bob’s service, they returned to family in St. Louis, Missouri and welcomed Joseph and Jennifer. After 5 years in St. Louis, they moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico for Bobs job. It was there that Rosie learned to cook the best green chili ever!

After 5 years in Albuquerque, they then moved to Denver, Colorado. Rosie began work at St. Luke’s Hospital on the Med-Surg floor. She soon transferred to the operating room where she also taught and trained other nurses in the specialty of operating room nursing. She was very busy working and raising her 3 children but still found time to sew their clothes, cook wonderful meals, and make every holiday and birthday special. She was able to find some time for herself, learning to tole paint, decoupage, stitchery, and more sewing, making her own clothing as well.

She moved on in her career to Porter Memorial Hospital in Denver, Colorado. There, she worked in the operating room. She eventually became the manager of various operating rooms including GYN surgery and PACU, Center for Sight (eye surgery and PACU), GI Lab and PACU, and Day Surgery. She also assisted in the design of the operating rooms when Littleton Hospital was being built. Furthermore, she assisted various surgeon practices interviewing potential doctors to add to their practice.

During her time at Porter Hospital, she returned to college and obtained her bachelor’s degree in nursing. That was a very proud moment for her…education was one of the most important things in her life next to her faith in God and Jesus Christ. She volunteered when the opportunity arose in areas such as Project Cure, teaching sunday school, helping with activities at church, and her grandsons school endeavors. She had a great group of friends at church as well as Porter Hospital. She enjoyed her book club and antique club. One of her favorite was her Precepts Bible Study. She was faithful and determined.

After retirement, she enjoyed redecorating her house and then decided it was time to get back to work. She always wanted to sell fine jewelry and began selling fine jewelry at Foley’s Department Store. She worked part-time and became 8th top seller in the nation for the fine jewelry branch at Foley’s. She was always an overachiever. Additionally, she perfected her culinary abilities, becoming one of the best cooks and bakers ever! It was always a special treat to indulge in her traditional Italian or Mexican dishes as well as her elaborate baked goods. One of her favorite past times was to peruse cookbooks and magazines for the next great dish.

In 2011, she was able to visit Italy for the first time. She enjoyed seeing the country of her ancestors. Every gelato was delish! Everyone was her friend. It was a trip she and Bob talked about often. She and Bob did other travel as well seeing friends, family and attending Navy Reunions with her Sister Ginny and Brother-in-law, Bob.

In 2019 Bob and Rose decided to sell their home of 42 years and move to Someren Glen Retirement Community. There, they became involved in various activities and groups. They really enjoyed the new friendships they made yet still enjoy their independence. After Bob passed, Rosie lived alone for the first time in her entire life. She faced the change with grace and strength. While at Someren Glen some of the activities she was involved in were Bible Study, "Do Unto Others", monthly birthday gatherings, the Astronomy class, travel class, and BINGO!!! She loved her bingo. She made great friends there at Someren Glen, sometimes challenging the staff.

After some months of illness, Rosie wanted to go “home” …and she did so January 9th at 91 years young. She joins Bob, Ryan, Joe, her mom and dad, siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins in her eternal home in heaven. All were there to great her with love and open arms. Rosie’s faith was key to her existence faithfully studying the Bible, praying, encouraging friends struggling with their faith, and witnessing to others including everyone who took care of her during hospital visits!

She is survived by her daughter Pamela Clark (Ryan-deceased) and two grandsons, Robert Clark, and Michael Clark; daughter Jennifer Twigg (Jerry) and two grandsons Gavin Twigg and Jansen Twigg and numerous nieces and nephews across the country. Her son Joe, passed in 2023.

Services for Rosie will be held on Saturday January 24, at 11:30 AM at Olinger – Chapel Hill Mortuary - 6601 South Colorado Blvd, Centennial, Colorado . A reception will follow the service at the mortuary.

If desired, friends can make donations in Rosie’s name at Samaritan’s Purse or Optimal Hospice. The family would like to thank all of the healthcare workers at Someren Glen Retirement Community, and Optimal Hospice, and her many wonderful physicians and caregivers for their excellent care.