Karen Suzanne Bowman

A 53 year resident of Olympia, Karen was born October 3, 1937 in Portland, Oregon to Adele and William Hayes. She passed away at the age of 88 on December 8, 2025. Karen grew up in Eastern Oregon. She attended the University of Oregon and later became a United Air Lines flight attendant. She married, had two sons with her husband George Jones and lived in Portland, Oregon where she was active in The League of Women Voters. In 1972 the family moved to Olympia, Washington, where she became involved as a volunteer for St. Peter Hospital, Sound Home Care Hospice, SPH Sunshine House and PTA. She was also involved in tutoring, scouting and youth sports.

Karen returned to work once her sons were in college. She spent most of the next twelve years at the Olympia Medical Center in the neurology and neurosurgery practice. Karen became a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church following her marriage in 1987 to Bill Bowman. For two years Karen was the church's moderator for the Women's Association. She was also moderator of the Elizabeth Circle Bible study for many years. In 2001 she was the recipient of the Honorary Lifetime Membership of Presbyterian Women.

Karen was a devoted mother, kind, caring, and very intelligent. It often befuddled others how she could do cross word puzzles in ink with no issue. Surprise family visits at her home in Olympia and spending time with her family was a source of memories that will always be cherished. The family also wishes to thank the staff of Fieldstone Communities who cared for her and were by her side as well.

Karen is proceeded in death by her beloved husband, Bill, her two sons, Scott Jones and Field Kline, who she loved dearly and was very proud of, her sister Christine Burk and brother-in-law Herb, Mike Tierney and his wife Kareen, many nieces and nephews and her husband’s children Mike and Karen, and their spouses and children. The friendship and love of her dear friends, Elayne, Nadine, Gail, Cathy, Evy, Susan, Eileen, Bill and Robin were especially important to Karen.

Karen faced significant challenges - both physical and emotional in her later years. She was proceeded in death by her sister, Billie Tierney. This was a difficult period in Karen's life journey. Rather than flower remembrances, donations may be made to The Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Washington Chapter, 192 Nickerson Street, Suite 100, Seattle, Washington 98109.

Karen will be laid to rest at Mills and Mills Memorial Park in Tumwater, Washington on Saturday January 10th at 12PM.

Those who touch our lives, stay in our hearts forever.