Mary Garret Bowers 1861-1926

BOWERS, GARRETT, OROURKE, OSSER

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 1/30/2011 at 16:22:32

Obituary of Mrs. Harry Bowers
After an illness of long duration Mrs. Harry Bowers, who has been a resident of this city for almost thirty-two years passed away at her home on the west side of the river on Sunday last. Mrs. Bowers has been in failing health for several years and has been confined to her home almost constantly for the past five years.

Mr. and Mrs. Bowers are well known on the west side having resided there almost since they moved to this city. For years the editors of this paper have been neighbors of Mrs. Bowers and have found her a fine neighbor and friend. Mary Bowers was born at Forest Hill, Cal., May 21, 1861. The funeral services were held this afternoon from the home, the Rev. Olmstead officiating. The remains were laid to rest in the Oak Hill cemetery. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, September 22, 1926)

Long Time Resident of Estherville Dead
Mrs. Harry Bowers Passed Away Sunday [September 19, 1926] After an Extended Illness – Funeral Today
After an illness of many years Mrs. Harry Bowers passed away at her home on West Des Moines street Sunday afternoon. Her death was due to a complication of diseases. She had been confined to her bed for three weeks prior to her death but has been in poor health for the past ten years. Mrs. Bowers came to Estherville with her husband on April 4, 1895 and has been a resident of this city since that time. She has been an active worker in all associations with which she has been affiliated and her death will be keenly felt by her many friends and acquaintances in this city. Throughout her sufferings and illness she has at all times been patient and endearing and never did she complain nor give up hope. While able to be up and around she was a hard worker and always made her home life as pleasant as it was possible. She was a companion to her husband throughout his many trials and griefs as well as in his happier moments. To her only son she was an ideal mother and guide and always sought to guide him in the best path. No sacrifice was too great nor no work too long when it was done for her loved ones. Of a cheerful, forgiving disposition she was ever ready to overlook the faults of others and always ready to give her help wherever needed.

Mary Garrett was born in Forest Hill, California, May 21, 1861. She spent her early life with her parents and brothers and sisters at the family home. When a young lady she was united in marriage with Harry F. Bowers at Reno, Nevada, on April 4, 1895. One year after they were married they moved to Estherville and Mr. Bowers entered the employ of the Rock Island railroad. They have made their home here ever since. One son, Harry, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Bowers. He is now located in California. Besides the bereaved husband and son she is survived by two sisters, Mrs. M. O’Rourke of Inspiration, Arizona, and Mrs. Osser of Canada. One brother, Duncan Garrett, of Mexico City, also survives the deceased. She is preceded in death by her parents and two brothers. Funeral services are being held this (Wednesday) afternoon at the Bowers home on west Des Moines street, Rev. H. L. Olmstead officiating. Interment will be made in Oak Hill cemetery. The sympathy of the entire community is extended the bereaved relatives in their hours of grief and sorrow over the loss of their loved one. Everything that loving hands and tender care could do was done to prolong the life of this devoted wife and mother but death finally gained power and she was taken away from this world of grief and sorrow to a happier land. (Estherville Democrat, Estherville, IA, September 22, 1926)