Jane Elizabeth Russell Bowman

Our beloved mother, Jane Russell Bowman, nobly took her final breaths at 1:31 p.m. Jan. 9, 2025 as her body gently released her vibrant spirit into a far better place. Born Oct. 22, 1928 in Marleybone, London, England to American parents who met in France, Dr. Ray McIntyre Russell and Inez Evelyn Cameron, she was educated in England until 1939, when her family moved to Beverly Hills, CA just before the WWII bombings began in London.

Jane graduated Beverly Hills High School and was awarded the school’s Music Award in Voice. She attended Santa Monica City College and B.Y.U. She served LDS missions to the British Isles and New York City; married Joseph Fielding Bowman Nov. 22, 1961, had four children, then served missions as a couple to Bordeaux, France and the Frankfurt, Germany Temple, and two missions in the East Mill Creek Stake.

She served as a Salt Lake Temple Ordinance Worker 1955-1959 and again with Joe 1994-2014. She also served in Relief Society presidencies in Champaign, Illinois; East Mill Creek 11th Ward, Salt Lake City; and Frankfurt, Germany Branch.

Her life was filled with music. She was a soprano soloist for 35 years and sang in choirs and with the Utah Symphony Chorus for 13 years. Many who heard her beautifully clear voice remarked that she had the voice of an angel. She was a sales associate for Scandinavian of Scotsdale and ZCMI for many years to help fund her childrens’ missions and extras. Because she traveled Europe widely, she knew how to converse on many subjects in a cosmopolitan way, but particularly loved discussing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, prophecy and the Last Days, as well as politics and world events. She was always quick to ask about people’s lives and took time to understand their interests and goals. She took sincere delight in seeing people accomplish great things and celebrated alongside them with grace and dignity.

She loved her dark hair and only let it go white the last year of life .She was a strikingly beautiful woman who never seemed to age. Everyone said she was the kindest and classiest person they’d ever met, and one who genuinely cared about them and made them feel important. Jane always looked elegant in her fashionable dresses and high heels. She never wore pants, but wasn’t above challenging her children to a sprinting race! She was an ideal homemaker who kept a beautifully decorated and ordered home. She found great satisfaction in observing a consistent dinner hour and delighted in preparing nightly multiple-course suppers for her family. She was often heard singing on her walks to AG Foodtown and in any other public place where she felt the urge to sing. Jane and Joe were devoted to their children and ensured they received piano and dance lessons, backlighting homelife with a classical soundtrack. They diligently supported their children in all sports, scouting, education, and religious pursuits.

Jane is preceded in death by her parents, her sister Evelyn Terry and twin brother Harry Russell, and her husband. Jane is survived by those she called her “legacy,” her four children: Richard (Sydney) Bowman, Carol (Regino) Diamse, Janet (Chad) Peterson, Douglas (Caroline) Bowman, 12 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Heartfelt thanks to all the wonderful support and care from family and friends, and especially the staff at Beehive Homes of Salt Lake and Inspiration Hospice, who became angels incarnate to Jane.

A viewing will be held Thursday, Jan. 16 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Chapel, 3401 S. Highland Dr., Salt Lake City, UT 84106. Funeral Services will be held Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Winder 7th Ward Chapel, 4350 S. 1100 E., Millcreek, UT 84124 with a viewing prior from 10:00-10:45 a.m. Interment will be at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum, 3401 S. Highland Dr.