Lois B. Bowen

97, a lifelong resident of Carmel, Indiana, departed this life on Thursday, August 1, 2024. She was born, April 23, 1927 in Indianapolis to the late Harold W. and Carrie Marie (Weber) Barnes.

Lois attended Carmel schools for all twelve years starting her education in a one room schoolhouse and finishing in the old Carmel High School. Lois loved school, was a cheerleader her junior and senior years and participated in any sports available. With World War II approaching, Lois enrolled in the cadet nursing program offered by the United States Army. She earned her nursing degree with honors at the old St. Vincent Hospital. Although she enjoyed nursing (obstetrics), her real passion came when she helped found the Family Maternity League specializing in teaching expectant mothers natural child birth and breastfeeding; an era when the medical industry did not support natural childbirth. After nursing she decided to get involved in Carmel politics, Indiana state politics and national politics working for many years in the Indiana House and Senate, and assisting with many political campaigns. In 1978 she opened The Fashion Exchange a consignment shop specializing in high-end gently used women’s clothing and accessories - located in the old Lumberyard mall in Carmel. Lois was a licensed pilot and also enjoyed golf, art, line-dancing and calligraphy.

She is preceded in death by her children, Constance Pfrang and Derek Earle; husband, Mark E. Bowen and former husband Lawrence H. Earle, brother Richard Hamilton Barnes, Sr and nephew Richard Hamilton Barnes Jr.

She is survived by her devoted daughters, Lannie (Richard) Corbin and Karen (John) Klein; beloved son-in-law, Carl Pfrang, daughter-in-law Cheri Earle grandchildren Joey (Amy) Davidson, Jake Corbin, Ashley (Ian) Hoehn, Chad (Lauren) Corbin, AJ (Katy) Klein, Austin (Brittney) Klein, Addison (Sienna) Earle and Lyndsie Earle, nieces and nephews Kimberly Barnes, Mike (Edna) Barnes, Ron Barnes and Kit (Dee) Earle, and 13 great grandchildren.

A memorial visitation for Lois will begin at 9:00am on Saturday, August 17th at Leppert Mortuary – Carmel Chapel and conclude after memorial service at 10:00am. Inurnment follows at Old Carmel Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Lois’ memory are suggested to St. Vincent Nurses Alumni, Carmel Clay Historic Society or to Carmel High School Alumni Association.

Online condolences available at www.leppertmortuary.com