Kathryn Shank Bowman

She was born on October 28, 1951, to Charles and Virginia Shank. Kathy grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and spent her summers in Sherwood Forest, Maryland—places that shaped her love for the outdoors and close-knit community.

Kathy graduated from Churchill High School in Pittsburgh and went on to earn her degree in Education from Muskingum University in 1973. She later completed her master’s degree in Special Education at the University of Northern Colorado.

In June of 1973, she married Robert Bowman in Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania, beginning a loving partnership that lasted more than five decades. The couple moved to Longmont in 1977 from Port Arthur, Texas, and quickly became active members of their community.

Kathy dedicated her life to teaching. She began her career in elementary physical education before spending three years in the elementary classroom. She later taught special education in the St. Vrain Valley School District and spent two years at Front Range Community College, teaching adult education and special education. She rounded out her career at CU Boulder, working with students with disabilities, while also teaching Adult Education and ESL in Longmont.

Her faith was an important part of her life, and she was active in local churches in both Winter Park and Longmont. The way she lived her life was a testament to her love of Jesus.

Outside of work, Kathy embraced the outdoors and time spent with those she loved. She enjoyed cross-country skiing, kayaking, hiking, knitting, walks with friends, and any opportunity to spend time in the mountains with friends and family.

She is preceded in death by her father, Charles Shank; her mother, Virginia Shank; and her sister Sally.

Kathy is survived by her husband, Robert Bowman of Longmont; her daughters Alyssa Bowman of Greeley and Robyn Winfrey (Phillip) of Grand Junction. She is also survived by her sisters Lyn of Morristown, NJ; Jill of Jamestown, NC; Kim of The Villages, FL; and Kris of Erie, CO, and her grandchildren — Maya Winfrey, William Winfrey, and Laura Kate Winfrey — who brought her tremendous joy.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Young Life, St. Vrain Valley. A memorial service will be held on Thursday December 18, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Longs Peak United Methodist Church, 1421 Elmhurst Dr, Longmont, CO 80503.