"Hi Kay, You were my ESL teacher for 2 years and you were very patient and kind to all of your students. Thank you for your hard work and dedication. Many prayers and Rest in peace."
In loving memory of
Kay Bowers
March 5, 1944 - August 30, 2010
Kay Margot, daughter of Clarence "Peg" and Mercedes (Strosahl) Bowers, was born March 5, 1944 at Manning, Iowa. She was confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Manning where she also taught Sunday School. Kay graduated from Manning High School in 1962, and earned a Bachelors of Science degree in teaching from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and a Master of Science degree in teaching from Creighton University. Kay shared her time between her parent's home in Manning and Omaha, where she taught English as a Second Language at UNO and later at Millard Public Schools. She had previously worked for the Job Corps at Lewis Central High School and the Iowa School for the Deaf in Council Bluffs. Kay was a member of St. Michael Lutheran Church in Omaha. Kay was a devoted daughter, sister, aunt, teacher, friend and family member who freely shared her gifts and inspiration. Her talents were treasured by the many people that have been influenced by her faith, love and quiet wisdom. In October of 2008 Kay was diagnosed with leukemia, which she promptly battled into remission. The disease returned in June of 2010 and as always, her courage was relentless as she relied on her faith to guide her. Much of her strength and daily guidance came from the passage John 10:10 "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full". Kay died at Hospice House in Omaha on Monday, August 30, 2010, amidst the support and love of her family and friends. She was 66 years, five months and 25 days of age. She is preceded in death by her father Peg Bowers and brother Richard Bowers. Kay is survived by her mother Mercedes Bowers of Manning; sister-in-law Jan Bowers of Berthoud, CO; nieces Julie Stock (Matt) of Colorado Springs, CO, and Niki O'Brien (Mike and daughter Katie) of Loveland, CO; nephews Keith Hildreth of Golden, CO, and Kevin Hildreth of Berthoud, CO; other relatives and numerous friends. Memorial donations in Kay's honor will go towards purchase of a park bench at Great Western Park in Manning. Music "I WAS THERE TO HEAR YOUR BORNING CRY" "SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW" WAI YIM, VOCALIST "HOW GREAT THOU ART" "NEARER MY GOD TO THEE" CONGREGATION CARLYS STRIBE, ORGANIST Casket Bearers JAIME SUAREZ JAIME SUAREZ JR. ADRIAN SUAREZ STAN MUSFELDT RONALD HOUSTON DENNIS DAU Honorary Casket Bearers OMER GORENER TURGET GORENER VURAL GORENER LAVERNE "BUTCH" SPIEKER
Tributes
"And after 2-1/2 years, I still miss you and miss you and miss you."
"We love you Kay and thank you for being my dad's english teacher or we would have never met with you. I will keep the last toy puppy "Pudding" you gave me and I will read all the Clifford books to my brother Derin.I loved you and I will always love you. Su Gorener Omer's daughter"
"I was a student in Miss Bowers' (she'll always be Miss Bowers to me) first class at Lewis Central. I was lucky enough to visit with her for a short while in the hospital in early August, and she seemed in great spirits, and very eager to reminisce about the fun we had in her class. She had a big impact on a lot of young people."
"Like so many others at Lewis Central High School, I can proudly say that a lot of my values and attitudes about life were influenced by Miss Bowers. I understand our class was one of her first, so I can only imagine what an incredible teacher she was later in her career. In my book, she was one of the best."
"My condolences to your family upon the loss of Kay. I taught with her at Millard South and we were both members of Saint Michael Lutheran Church. S"
"We are going to miss a heartwarming, happy, funny lady, who everyone loved. We will always cherish her friendship. a"
"God bless you"
"Kay was a beautiful person always with a gorgeous smile and kind heart. My sympathy to her family and friends."
"My deepest sympathy to Kay's family. I enjoyed knowing and working with her at Millard North High. She was a caring and wonderful teacher. Joanne Stevens"
"Kay was one of the most beautiful people I've ever known. I loved hearing about her travels and her trips to Manning. She loved her home town so much. Her work with Millard Public Schools was exemplary...she touched so many lives. Shine on, dear Kay."
"Kay was a kind and generous spirit who was easy to know and like. Our tradition was a special dinner out before, or sometimes after, the Christmas holiday. We'd eat and talk and laugh and exchange presents. I am lucky to have a collection of a dozen ornaments made by her Mother and each year they will continue to bring back that special memory of Kay. Another angel is in Heaven. Always in our hearts, dear Kay."
"Kay was such a vibrant person. She was a delightful person and a great friend. I will miss her greatly."
"Dear family and friends of Kay: I arrived at St. Michael a year ago, and had the opportunity to begin to know Kay. We had not seen her in worship for a few months, but during the summer months we know that happens for a lot of people with travels, etc. We were so surprised and saddened to learn of her death. We were not aware that she had been in hospice during this time. Please accept our apologies for not doing the ministry we should have over these past few months. We simply didn't know. I did have good conversations with Kay, and I am sure that she will be missed by family and friends. May the promise of Christ's resurrection be a strength and a comfort for all who mourn. Sincerely in Christ, Pastor Mark A. Grorud Saint Michael Lutheran Church Omaha, Nebraska"
"I feel so saddened and shocked to hear about this news. Miss Bowers was one of my best teachers, friends, and companions in life. Without her, I would not have been able to learn to speak English and to easily transform to the American culture. I will miss receiving greeting cards from her in the mail. I'll miss her witty jokes, her beautiful smile, her wonderful photos, and hearing about her fun vacations I will always remember her in my heart and my prayers. May God bless her soul!"
"Kay was one of those rare individuals who made each person she encountered feel cherished. She truly noticed and made an effort to notice what you cared about. She was adventurous. She was brave. She was witty. She was brilliant. She was a superb baker and cook. She will always be one of my favorite people."
"I will miss everything about Kay. She was so fun, and so interesting, and just so cool. Imagining a world without her is very, very difficult. RIP, Clay ..."
"Ms Bowers was one of the people I respect the most. She is always so caring and kind to all her students. She sent each and one of us holiday cards just to remind us that she was thinking of us..I will miss her sooo much. Rest in peace, Ms. Bowers"