Mary Ellen Bowen

Mary was born on July 13, 1932, in Louisiana to Otho Dawson Kirk and Rachael Mary Crane. She worked as a cook for the Tehama County Sheriff’s Department. Mary was married to Cecil Bowen Sr., and together they had eight children: Yvonne, Sue, Fay, Patty, Lynn, Cecil, Robert, and Debbie.

Mary’s favorite song was “Jesus Loves Me.” She instilled in her family the values of hard work, love for family, and forgiveness. Mary enjoyed watching her grandchildren play sports, seeing her children become parents, spending time with her beloved pet Trucker, and playing bingo and casino slots.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Otho and Rachael; her brother Junior; her sister, Dorothy; her husband, Cecil Herman Bowen Sr.; her children, Debbie and Cecil Jr.; two grandchildren; as well as her grandparents and other extended family members.

Mary is survived by her siblings, Betty, Edith, and Durl; her children, Fay Kilbride, Robert Bowen, Lynn Davis, Sue Leitem, Yvonne Shaw, and Patty McGuiness; 32 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren; and 20 great-great-grandchildren.

She will be missed by all who loved her.