Shirley Ann Bowers

Shirley Ann Bowers, 88, of Fort Collins, died May 6, 2014 at McKee Hospice. Mrs. Bowers was born June 10, 1925 in Pittsburg, Kansas to John and Grace Dowling. Shirley married William Andrew Bowers on February 20, 1949 in Fort Collins. Shirley was born and raised in Pittsburg, Kansas. She worked for the phone company while attending High school. After she graduated in 1943 she moved from Pittsburg, Kansas to Fort Collins, Colorado with her parents. Shortly after coming to Fort Collins she regained employment with the phone company as a switch board operator. She also worked for Teledyne for over 14 years, where she met many lifelong friends. Shirley loved to dance. It was her love for dancing that led her to her husband Bill Bowers. She loved to tell people about how they had met at a dance and how upon returning home that evening she woke her parents to tell them she had met the man she would marry. Shirley and Bill married on February 20, 1949 in Fort Collins. Shirley and Bill shared many weekend nights going dancing with their friends Mary and Kevin Taylor. They had two children Gary and Cheryl. Shirley and Bill shared a wonderful life together, filled with family, friends, dancing, traveling, attending CSU basketball games, boating, Rod Club, Bowling league and spending time at the lake. Shirley's time with Bill was cut short in 1980 with his passing. She never remarried. Shirley spent the rest of her life enjoying her children, grandchildren and in the years to follow her great grandchildren. It was especially those great grand babies that filled her heart with joy. She had many pets over the years but held a special place for her current dog "Rosie". Shirley enjoyed the many road trips that her dear friends Liz and Roger Slocomb took her on and would share stories about them often. She loved going to the ball park to see the Rockies and rarely missed watching a televised game. She also liked to put on her Bronco orange during the games and cheer them on. She loved to be with family and friend the most, even if it was just watching the kids play, while sitting on the porch or visiting with you over a cup of coffee. She was surrounded by love ones her final days, sharing memories and laughs. She will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege to know and love her. Survivors include her daughter, Cheryl Ann Abold; three grandchildren, Keva Burciaga, Trew Abold and Ian Abold; four great-grandchildren, Kyla Molina, Adela Burciaga, Beckham Abold, and Alyra Abold. Preceding Shirley in death are her parents, her husband, William, and her son, Gary Patrick Bowers. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memory Gardens Cemetery. Father Antonio Flores will officiate the service. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Shirley Ann Bowers Memorial Fund in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive St., Ft. Collins, CO 80524.