Fay F. Bowren

She was born September 15, 1924 in Oklahoma City, OK, daughter of Frank and Fay Horton Herrmann. She married Russell A. Bowren on June 9, 1946 in Oklahoma City, OK, he preceded her in death in on May 17, 2009.

Surviving are three daughters, Joy Sorden of Normal, Linda (Bob) King of Chugiak, AK, and Diana (Bob) Bricker of Normal and one son, Timothy (Linda) Bowren of of Indianapolis, IN. Also surviving are five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Recognizing that teachers need mentors, Dr. Fay Frances Bowren entered into the field of teacher education. During her senior year at Oklahoma City's Classen High School (1942), she not only earned a high school diploma, but also received Draughton's Business University's certification for advanced secretarial skills. In 1945, she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology and English, with a minor in Music, through Bob Jones University. One year later, she received a Master of Arts in Theology from the same institution, becoming the first woman to do so. Upon graduation, she married Russell A. Bowren, and the couple were appointed missionaries to the Navajo Indians of New Mexico and served the isolated villages of Puertocito and Canoncito for 18 years, during which time they had their four children. The two, now cited on the Smithsonian Wall for Outstanding Service to the Navajo Indian Nation, resigned to expose their children to more experiences.

Able to draw upon her experiences developing techniques and strategies to teach illiterate individuals of all ages, Dr. Bowren became a Reading Specialist. She was eager to share her expertise with other teachers so she returned to academia and earned a Doctor of Education with a concentration in Pupil Personnel Services from The University of Mexico. She also received advanced training in literacy education at the University of Chicago. She was affiliated with the Illinois Education Association, the Illinois Reading Council and the Adult Education Society, but retired and assumed the Professor Emeritus status after spending 27 years as a Professor of Education at Illinois State University.

In demand as a workshop leader and convention speaker, Dr. Bowren was noted in several professional biographical journals; she published articles in reading education, adult education and educational technology journals. Not surprisingly, she earned the prestigious Illinois Adult Education Association's President's Award for outstanding service to adult education. As a member of the Illinois Baptist State Association Board of Directors for more than 25 years, she helped establish an annual scholarship program for needy students. She remains a life member of Phi Delta Kappa International, Sigma Alpha Iota and Pi Gamma Delta.

In 2012, Fay was acknowledged by the Cambridge Who's Who for demonstrating dedication, leadership and excellence in higher education.

After her retirement, she enjoyed playing violin in the local symphony orchestra. She also enjoyed making jewelry and formed a jewelry company called Fantastic Finds Enterprise.

She was an active member of Vale Community Church in Bloomington, where she was also a teacher and musician. Dr. Bowren attributes her success to the guidance she received through her faith, and from her late husband, family and former professor, Miles Zintz. She was determined to make a difference in the lives of others, especially her great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at Vale Community Church, the Rev. Ken Graham officiated. Visitation was 1 ½ hours prior to services at the church, beginning at 11:30 a.m. East Lawn Funeral Home handled arrangements. Entombment followed services at East Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery Mausoleum, Bloomington, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Illinois Baptist State Association. Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.EastLawn-Bloomington.com.