Ada Lou Bowling

Ada “Lou” Bowling, 81, of Wichita, Kansas, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of October 22, 2025, after a brief battle with an aggressive cancer. Her daughters, Amy Johnson and Debbie McWhirt, were lovingly by her side. Mom’s passing came just seven short weeks after her diagnosis, a loss that arrived far too soon.

Mom loved to see the world. Her travels began in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where she lived while our father served in the Marine Corps. During that time, she worked in administrative support for the Department of Defense, served as a gracious hostess to visiting dignitaries, and embraced the role of “mom” to the Marines stationed at the Consulate security detachment. Her journey later took her to Brussels, Belgium; Okinawa, Japan; and many cherished visits to California, where she felt happiest near the ocean.

She was devoted to her work and built a more than 30-year career with the Richie Corporation. The Ritchie family became more than colleagues—they became extended family, a connection that remains strong to this day.

Mom had a gift for making every holiday magical. And you had to be ready for pictures—lots of them. Easter meant baskets for everyone. Halloween brought spooky fun. Thanksgiving was filled with family favorites. But Christmas was her season. She was the “glue” that held us together, and she made every celebration special, especially for her grandchildren—Paige Johnson, Morgen Coss, and Meghan McBee. From homemade apple pies and chocolate chip cookies to hours of shared laughter, she created moments that will stay with us forever.

A little adventure always called her name, and playing slot machines was one of her favorite escapes. She was incredibly lucky—bringing home everything from trailers and motorcycles to frequent jackpots. She also loved watching golf and enjoyed many lively games of bingo.

Born on April 16, 1944, in Tonkawa, Oklahoma, she was the youngest of five children of Amy and Bill Bowling. Mom was the last surviving sibling, having most recently lost her sister Jessie Bowling on July 11, 2025. Knowing she is now reunited with her parents and siblings brings us comfort as we face this sudden and heartbreaking loss.

A celebration of her life will be held in April 2026, with details to be announced.

A gift in her honor can be made to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita, KS 67202. Hynesmemorial.org