Rose Anna Bowman

Rose Anna Bowman, age 72, died Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at home in Centralia, Washington. She was born February 14, 1945 to Hugh Olin and Anabel Isbell in Woodward, Oklahoma. In her youth, she also lived in and attended school in Arkansas.

In 1962 she married Leon Bowman in Oklahoma and they moved to Washington in 1964, settling in Lewis County one year later where they raised their three children.

Rose received her Business Administration degree from Centralia College in 1977. She had a heart of service inspired by the stories and pictures of missionaries who came to speak at services held by her grandfather Rev. R. Lavert Isbell, a circuit preacher. She began her volunteer work at her church and in the community with events that involved her children, such as scouts and youth sports. Rose demonstrated leadership as a member of the Centralia College Foundation Board of Directors and in co-founding Centralia’s Summerfest. She served in a variety of leadership roles with Rotary, including club President and District Governor, as well as serving on several Rotary missions which included travel to Mexico, India and Africa. On many levels and in connection with so many organizations, Rose touched lives locally and globally.

Besides her working partnership with her husband Leon at Kresky Auto Repair and Electric, Rose is often remembered for having served two terms in the Washington State House of Representatives and as Lewis County Treasurer.

Rose is survived by her husband Leon at home in Centralia; daughter Stephanie and Gary Marcum of Grapevine, Texas, sons Steve Bowman of Spokane and Stan Bowman of Chehalis; grandchildren Bennett Black of Florida, Olivia Black (Boomer! Sooner!), and Carter and Georgia Bowman of Chehalis. She also is survived by her siblings Beatrice Ramsey of Ellsworth, Kansas, Michael Isbell of Underhill, Wisconsin, and Patrick Isbell of Riverside California.

She is preceded in death by her infant son Rodney Eugene, her parents and brothers Darrell and DeWayne Isbell.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Providence SoundHomeCare & Hospice, in particular Laurel Fisher, Cascade Family Medical Clinic and Western Washington Oncology for their care and kindness.

A memorial service for Rose Bowman is scheduled to begin at 2:00 pm, Saturday, May 13 at the Bowman Rotary Banquet Room in the TransAlta Student Commons at Centralia College on the corner of Pear St. and Washington Ave., Centralia.

In lieu of flowers, Rose requested donations be sent to help fulfill one of her and Leon’s passions and dreams, providing the opportunity of a college education:

Centralia College Foundation

In memory of Rose Bowman, for the Leon and Rose Bowman Endowment

600 Centralia College Ave.

Centralia, WA 98531