Helen Bowers

Helen R. Bowers, 78, of Brimfield, IL, passed away at 6:00 P.M., Monday, November 15, 2010 at Methodist Medical Center in Peoria, IL. She was surrounded by her entire immediate family and died peacefully.

She was born June 11, 1932 in Freeport, IL, the daughter of James C. and Mary E. (Hodgson) Slaght. She married Lorris M. Bowers on August 1, 1951 in Madison, WI. He survives.

Also surviving is a sister, Anna Willson, of Rockford, IL; three daughters, Corrine A. Abraham of Marietta, GA, Pamela J. Voros of Columbia, Sc, and Kris D. Powers of Middleton, WI; a son, Stuart L. Bowers of Peoria, IL; eleven grandchildren; and a great-grandson.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Mary E. Adams of Freeport, IL; and a brother, Harry Slaght of Annandale, VA.

Helen accompanied her husband to the University of Illinois College of Medicine (1951-1955), where she received a PhT Degree (Putting Hubby Through). After spending four years as a US Air Force wife, she moved to Peoria in 1963. She was active in Entre Nous Club. Several times, she was president of the Heart of Illinois Junior Federated Women’s Club. She also was a Central Regional Director of the Junior Organization, Illinois Federation of Women’s Clubs. She was a member of the Willow Knolls Country Club, where she served on the women’s advisory board.

In Peoria she worked as a realtor. Having had a long interest in horses, she moved in 1988 to a horse farm in Brimfield, IL. While managing Collingwood Farms Inc., she was proudest of her Champion American Saddlebred Stallion, Sultan’s Satan.

Helen had a keen interest in nature: she loved living on her farm where she enjoyed bird watching and observing wildlife. She had a green thumb and an ability to relate to animals. Helen had a creative spirit, sharing her love of art, music, dance and cooking. She was an avid Bridge player, playing regularly with various Bridge c.ubs and her family.

Helen was the backbone of her family. She touched the lives of those she knew and sustained generations of extended family and friends with unconditional love, support, humor and grace. She enjoyed traveling for visits and vacations. She had a special relationship with her sister, Anna, with whom she shared many fond memories.

The body will be cremated. There will be no visitation. Rev. David Schrader will bless her remains at Dakota, IL in a private ceremony at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Methodist Medical Foundation of Peoria, IL.

Online tributes and condolences may be made at www.woolsey-wilton.com.