Sherron Bowman, 81
“Heaven welcomed an angel” Monday, March 13, 2017, when Sherron passed away surrounded by her loved ones.
Sherron was born to Mildred Collamore Eiler and Denver Eiler on Dec. 12, 1935, in Portland. After Denver’s untimely death both she and her brother were adopted by Warren Charles Huff when Mildred remarried. Two little sisters soon made the family complete. Sherron graduated from Park Rose High School, after which she attended Cottey College, graduating in 1954.
In the summer of 1953 the family moved to the Mission Valley. Soon after, Sherron met Merton Allen Bowman. They communicated through the mail until she finished her college courses. Once finished with college, Sherron and Merton eloped to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, in August 1955 embarking on their married journey of 31 years and seven children. The couple lived in Ronan and Drummond before settling in Pablo for the remainder of their married years.
Sherron worked at the grain elevators in Ronan her first summer in Pablo, while helping Merton with ranching. She also worked as secretary at Ronan Elementary when her children were young. Later she ran the Pablo Cafe for several years. In 1974 Sherron became the secretary at Polson High School until she retired in 1988.
In the summer, Sherron could be found working in her garden and in the fall, canning the fruits of her labor for her growing family. Sherron was actively involved in her community. She was a lifetime Methodist serving in Ronan, Polson and later at the Mission Valley Methodist Church. She taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, and served as a lay leader. She also served on the Lake County election board for many years and was an active supporter/participant of the Pablo Little League Baseball Program. Sherron loved the arts and served as president for the Mission Valley Community Concert Association, fulfilling her love of music. She also performed in several plays with the Port Polson Players. In her down time she enjoyed crafts of all kinds, puzzles, crosswords, reading, crocheting and playing her piano. Sherron loved a good story.
Sherron was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Merton Allen Bowman, in 1986, and partner, Don Miller, in 2001.
She is survived by her friend and caretaker, Ron Richards, of Seeley Lake; children, Michael Bowman (Lyle) of Spokane, Mark Bowman (Elaine) of Wichita, Kansas, Matt Bowman (Lisa) of Thermopolis, Wyoming, Mitch Bowman (Binky) of Polson, Meg Feist (Don) of Plains, Myrna Gauthier (Bob) of Ronan, and Maureen McCrea of Pablo; siblings, Denver Huff of Grants Pass, Oregon, Penny Raynor of Milwaukie, Oregon, and Candee Schweitzer of Missoula. Sherron is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and many special nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Services are planned at 3 p.m. March 18 at MV United Methodist Church on Post Creek Hill.
A special thanks to staff and management at the Pines of Polson for their compassionate care. Donations in lieu of flowers are asked to be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America in her name.
Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.thelakefuneralhomeandcrematory.com. Arrangements are under the direction of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.