Rosa “Rose” L. Bowdish, 86, of Davenport, IA, passed away on Monday, September 9, 2024 at the University of Iowa Medical Center. A funeral service will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday, September 14, 2024 at Weerts Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 11:30 a.m. and conclude at the time of service. At a later date, Rose will be laid to rest at Rose Hill Cemetery in Camanche, IA. Memorial contributions may be made to King’s Harvest Pet Rescue.
Rose was born on August 2, 1938 in Carol County, IA to parents Lyle and Lois (Triplett) Salyars. Rose was one of nine children and grew to have an especially close relationship with her sister, Betty Ann. Known as the “giggle sisters”, the pair knew how to have a good time. Family meant everything to Rose and she went on to have four children of her own that she adored. Love, laughter, and joy were things that Rose spread like wildfire. She loved to dance to country music and was always sure to invite others to join in.
On September 23, 1972, Rose married the love of her life, Eugene “Gene” Bowdish. He later preceded her in death.
After working at Davenport Lutheran Home for 28 years as a housekeeper, Rose retired in 2016.
Throughout her life, and certainly in retirement, Rose enjoyed the company of her beloved pets. She now joins those of which preceded her in death. May her love continue down generations.
Those left to carry on her memory include her children; Debbie (David Smith) Phelps, Gilbert (Susie) Phelps, Dixie Peterson, Clifford Bowdish; step-children, Becky (Tracy) Armentrout, Joe (Traci) Bowdish, Fannie (Steve) Gaw; grandchildren, Tosha, Joshua, Amber, Ryan, Dustin, Nick, Gwen, Cameron; step-grandchildren; Benjamin, Bridget, Jordan, Paige and Skylar; 15 great-grandchildren; 4 step-great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren on the way; 1 brother, Garey (Karen) Salyars; a very special best friend, Lonna Verhelst; a special “adopted” daughter, Ardeania Cale, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Rose was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Gene; 2 sisters, Mary, Betty Ann; 5 brothers, Chuck, Donnie, Billy, Robert, Lowell; 1 grandchild, Taren, and 2 great-grandchildren, Logan and Sienna.
