Jean Bowman

Ella "Jean" Bowman, 82, of Jackson passed away Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Jean was born March 10, 1941, in Hannibal to Harold J. "Blackie" and Helen M. Lesseg Stolte. She graduated from McCooey High School in 1959.

While in her early years at McCooey, Jean met the love of her life, Vince Bowman. It was said they had a forever love. They were united in marriage June 6, 1959, in Hannibal, where their five children were born and raised. In 1977, they added two additional children, Rocio Lopez-Gorasave and Gema Lopez-Gorasave of Baja California, Mexico, as exchange students, who they still lovingly call their "Mexican daughters".

In the earlier years of their marriage, Jean was a homemaker and an active stay-at-home mom. From room mother, PTA member, carpool driver, baking for school functions and Church Youth Group canoe trip chaperone, everyone knew they could count on Jeannie's help. She was also an avid bowler, playing in several local leagues and state tournaments.

After their children were raised, Jeannie and Vince moved to Cape Girardeau, where she worked as obstetrics secretary for more than 20 years at Southeast Hospital.

Jean Bowman

Once retired, she enjoyed eating out with her children, playing cards and mostly loving her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Due to her health, Vince and Jean recently moved to The Villas in Jackson, where they enjoyed their neighbors, the wonderful staff and a stress-free life.

In addition to her loving husband of 64 years, she is survived by their five children, Jude (Mike) Mosley of Pensacola, Florida, Jan (Gary) Farrar of Cape Girardeau, Joy (Mark) Auer of Jackson, Dane (Cara) Bowman of Hannibal and Jerian (Bruno) Cesonis of Harrisonville; 16 grandchildren, Nicole, Brandon, Danae, Hayle, Charles, Rachel, Danielle, Kayla, Kyle, Katie, Karsen, Austen, Maria, Cheyenne, Tyler and Jacob; 20 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Also surviving are two sisters, Dorothy (Ronald) Green and Teresa Stolte; a brother, Norbert (Chris) Stolte; and a sister-in-law, Brenda Stolte, all of Hannibal.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Ed Stolte.

Jean's family will receive friends from 10 to 10:30 a.m., and a rosary will be said at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 1, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Cape Girardeau.

The Rev. Rick Jones will celebrate a funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Mercy Hospice, the former Southeast Hospice.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.