Kathleen Wilda (Back) Bowen Wise

She was born June 26, 1925, in Akron, Ohio, to parents Samuel Granville and Wilda (Ross) Back. Kathleen was affectionately known as Kay to her family and friends. She graduated from Ellet High School in 1943 and went on to have a distinguished career as an account executive with the Akron Beacon Journal.

Kay was a member of the First Christian Church in Kent, where she was a member of their quilting circle. She had quite a green thumb and enjoyed gardening and canning peaches. Her home always had cats living with her and she looked forward to family picnics and gatherings.

Kay is survived by her children: Laura Bowen Dressler and Dennis O. (Lydia) Bowen, her grandchildren: Daniel (Heather Biehl) Dressler, Virginia (Dressler) (Brandon) Hall, and Thomas (Liani Rivera) Dressler, as well as her great-grandchildren: Rylie, Winston, and Gillian, and her sister-in-law Marisa Back.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Owen Bowen, her second husband Art Wise, and her brothers Donald Back and Vern Back.

Her wishes for cremation are being honored and a memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Wood-Kortright-Borkoski Funeral Home, 703 E Main St, Ravenna. Private inurnment will take place at Hillside Memorial Park in Akron.

Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Kay’s memory to the Portage APL https://portageapl.org