Hattie Bernice Bowie

Hattie Bowie passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 13, 2015. She had a life of good health for 103 years. She was born on August 31, 1911 in Stafford, Oregon. Hattie was a middle child of ten children, to Carl Frederick and Rosa (Dams) Becker. They were raised on a farm in Woodland, Washington.

She moved with her sister, Marguerite to Ojai in the 1930’s. The two waited tables at Boardman’s Pharmacy in the Ojai Arcade. There, Hattie met Bill Bowie, and they were married in 1934. Their daughter, Mina was born in 1936 and Bill, Jr. in 1939.

Hattie began working for the city of Ojai in 1953, and served as Ojai’s city clerk for 25 years, beginning in 1968. She also served as interim city manager in 1971 and 1974.

She was preceded in death by her husband Bill, of over 50 years; daughter, Mina; and grandson, Mike Werber.

Hattie is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Bill, Jr. and Joanne Bowie of Ventura; granddaughters, Jill Bowie of Kingsburg, Julie Schenone and her husband, Chris of Livermore; granddaughter-in-law, Jennifer of Ojai; grandson, Mark Werber and his wife Shari of Coarsegold and Chad Bowie and his wife Michelle of Charleston, SC. Hattie was also blessed with great grandchildren, Courtney and Mitchell Werber, Shelby, Josh and Jacob Werber, Christian, Madison and Alexis Bissett, Colin, Isabella and Juliette Schenone.

She was an excellent cook and baker, and there are many fond memories of family and friends enjoying dinner around her table. Hattie and her husband also served many hot meals for Meals on Wheels over the years. She was a member of the Ojai Valley Women’s Club for over 25 years.

Hattie loved to stream fish and enjoyed watching football games with her great grandson. She also enjoyed Friday afternoon visits with her son-in-law, Marvin.

Hattie’s family is so thankful to The Olive Branch of Ojai, for their loving care these past few years.

A celebration of Hattie’s life will be held at the Community of Christ Church, 1848 Poli Street, Ventura, on Saturday, January 24, 2015, 11:00 am. Memorial contributions may be to Help of Ojai, or the Museum of Ojai Valley.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura.