Florence Liane “Bunny” Bowen
Bunny Bowen began her next spiritual journey on May 2, 2010. The beauty of her
spirit is now free of the physical pain and challenge she endured over the last
few weeks. She was surrounded by family and loved ones as she took and gave her
last breath.
Florence was born on February 23, 1933 in Magna Utah, the daughter of Elmer and
Sara Bowen. She grew up in Magna with seven brothers and sisters, a foster
sister and cousins who often shared her family’s home. She married Ivan B.
Woodbury in 1952 and moved to Granger Utah. She brought two children into this
world, William “Bill” Woodbury and Tamara “Tammy” Jo Woodbury. After 25 years of
marriage she divorced and moved into the Ridgeland ward in West Valley City.
Always an active member of the LDS Church, she served many callings throughout
her lifetime.
Bunny loved her biological and extended family. She was very close to both of
her children and was first and foremost a mother to her own children and to many
other friends and relatives. Her son Bill died unexpectedly in 2001. Her
daughter, Tamara lives in Phoenix Arizona. She was exceptionally close with two
of her sisters, Ivlue (Jose) Rosa and Kathlene Bowen. There was rarely a day
when these three sisters did not talk with each other. She is also survived by
her sister, Sherma (Max) Moser; foster sister, Helen Turpin; and brothers, Kent
(Kathy) and Ray (Marilyn) Bowen.
Her many nieces, nephews and their children will morn Bunny’s passing, as she
was always a fountain of love for all of them and treated them as her own grand
children.
Two of Bunny’s brothers preceded her in death, Jay Lynn and Darley (Varna)
Bowen.
Bunny was always active in her community. She was a member of the Utah Daughters
of the Pioneers and served as an officer and then president in the Granger Lady
Lions Club. She had a gifted voice and loved music. She sang and played guitar
in a folk singing group in the 1950’s and 60’s, sang for 25 years in the
Keynotes, and frequently participated in the choir and other musical callings
for her church. She loved to play the piano and many other musical instruments.
Bunny was also a talented poet and loved sharing her poetry with others
and particularly enjoyed writing personalized poems for people to celebrate and
honor special occasions. She also loved creating things with her hands, and
loved doing ceramics with her mother and sisters and was dedicated to carrying
forward, with the help of her sisters, the tradition of giving hand made gifts
to all family members each Christmas Eve.
Bunny leaves a legacy of love and creative expression. She loved people and
animals.
Her family is exceedingly grateful for the love and care that PJ Jennings gave
to Bunny over the years, particularly the last few months. PJ and Claudia Myers
were considered by Bunny as her adopted daughters. Bunny’s dog Ginger was a
light in her life. She always had a close animal companion.
The family also wishes to thank Bunny’s neighbors, Bob and Cammy Gardner, Steve
and Alayna Burr, and Julie and Don Jex. They also wish to acknowledge the care
providers at St. Marks Hospital, Heritage Place and Silverado Hospice, as well
as, her relief society and home teachers.
Funeral services will be 12 noon Saturday, May 8, 2010 at the Ridgeland Ward,
4251 S. 4800 W. A viewing will be
held 6-8 p.m. Friday at Peel Funeral Home, 8525 W. 2700 S., Magna, and Saturday
11-11:45 a.m. at the church. Interment: Wellsville Cemetery.
Online condolences: wwwpeelfuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers the family recommends making a donation in Florence “Bunny”
Bowen’s name to the Girl Scouts Arizona Cactus Pine Council, 119 East Coronado
Road Phoenix, Arizona 85004 to be used in Bunny’s memory toward the development
of a camp and program center for girls and rescue services for animals.
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