Helen Bowman

Mrs. Bowman was born November 26, 1922 in Catawba County, near Newton, to Jacob A. Lutz and Ida McGill Lutz. She was one of eight children. She was preceded in death by brothers Fulton Lutz and Jacob Lutz, as well as sisters Annie Herndon, Mary Lutz, Clara Little, and Florene Moore. She is survived by one sister, Martha Sigmon, of Newton.

Mrs. Bowman graduated from Startown High School with the Class of 1939. She then attended Appalachian State Teachers College, graduating in 1943 with a degree in Elementary Education.

Mrs. Bowman was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Fred Harrison Bowman. She is survived by sons Gerald Bowman (and wife, Bonye); Larry Bowman (and wife Beth); Brent Bowman (and wife, Janine); and daughter Karen B. Kreigsman (and husband, Brian). Her nine grandchildren are Aaron Bowman and wife, Kim; Adam Bowman and wife, Alicia; Kellan Bowman; Jared Bowman and wife, Sydney; Macey B. McCoy and husband, Brandon; Mallory Bowman and fiancé, Chase Metzger; Kayla Kreigsman and fiancé, Zack Cermak; Wesley Kreigsman and Kandace Kreigsman. A grandson, Alan Bowman, preceded her in death. She is also survived by five great-grandchildren, Andrew, Harrison, Luke, Anna and Ella Bowman. She had numerous nieces, nephews and spouses who were all dear to her.

She was a public school teacher for 42 years beginning with Kannapolis Public Schools for 2 years with the remaining 40 years in Catawba County. Following her retirement, Mrs. Bowman continued as a regular substitute teacher until the age of 80. She touched many lives.

Mrs. Bowman was a life-long member of St. Paul Lutheran Church (Startown) in Newton where she taught the Martin Luther Sunday School Class for approximately 65 years through December 27, 2015. She dearly loved her church and was a tireless worker in many aspects of ministry.

She found great joy in her relationships with family, friends and neighbors. In particular, her family was very special to her. She lived her later years through the travels and daily activities of her children and grandchildren; keeping up with every one of them each day.

Mrs. Bowman was an avid gardener until the age of 90. She shared the proceeds of her garden with many friends and neighbors. Her homemade cookies were her calling card and were enjoyed by many. She was an active volunteer until the time of her death serving several organizations including Palliative Care and Hospice of Catawba Valley. She lived her life with great humility.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, January 16, 2016, at St. Paul Lutheran Church (Startown), with Rev. Ralph Kraft officiating. Burial will follow in Startown Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends prior to the service from 11:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the church.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 3761 Startown Road, Newton, NC 28658 or to Palliative Care and Hospice of Catawba Valley, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658.