Shirley Mae Bowers

Born on January 18, 1951, in Martins Ferry, Ohio, Shirley was the cherished daughter of Grace Virginia (Huffman) and James Cullen III. She graduated from Adena High School in 1969 and dedicated many years of service to the U.S. Postal Service, primarily as Postmaster Relief at the Harrisville Post Office.

Shirley was deeply rooted in her community and faith, as a member of the Harrisville Methodist Church, the former Harrisville Ladies Auxiliary, and a former EMT and member of the Harrisville Volunteer Fire Company.

Shirley fought a long, courageous, battle with cancer, enduring every challenge with grace, strength, and unwavering faith in Jesus. She remained an inspiration to all who knew her, a testament to resilience and devotion. Her family lovingly remembers her as the strongest person they have ever known.

Family was Shirley’s greatest joy. A devoted wife, loving mother, and proud grandmother, she filled her home with warmth and kindness. Shirley enjoyed tending to her flower baskets, caring for her home, and sharing moments with loved ones on her back porch swing. She often accompanied her husband, Karl, to Lions Club events, and her famous peanut butter fudge will forever remain a sweet memory for those who were lucky enough to enjoy it. Shirley was known for her gentle spirit, unshakable kindness, and the way she made everyone feel special.

Shirley is survived by her beloved husband of over 51 years, Karl A. Bowers, whom she married on September 22, 1973. Together, they built a family filled with love. She leaves behind her two sons, Heath (Heather) Bowers and Kipp (Tiffany) Bowers, as well as her treasured grandchildren, Piper Jean Bowers, Jack Hobbes Bowers, one on the way with more to come, along with the precious ones who are with her in heaven.

Shirley’s memory will also be lovingly carried on by her siblings: Robert (Joan) Cullen, Linda Luke, Mary Louise (Art) Ryan, Susan Williams, and Debbie (Mike) Beal; her dear sister-in-law, Hedy Cullen; and generations of nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings: Janice Muschott, Don Cullen, Jeannie Wickham, Kathryn Kidd, and Nancy Cullen.

Friends and family are invited to honor Shirley’s life at Borkoski Funeral Home, 555 E Market St, Cadiz, on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, from 3:00 – 7:00 PM. Harrisville VFC & the Adena Lions Club plan to facilitate a special visitation at 6:30 PM.

Additional visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 29, from 10:00 – 11:00 AM at the Harrisville Methodist Church, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM. Interment will take place at Olive Branch Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Shirley’s memory to the Harrisville Methodist Church, 49355 East Main Street, Harrisville, OH 43974.

Shirley’s legacy of love, strength, and faith will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.