Marianne Bowers

Marianne Broden Bowers of Kerrville, Texas, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2015 after a courageous battle with numerous illnesses. Born on Jan. 9, 1932 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Marianne was the "favorite younger sister" and second daughter to David Albin Broden and Carolyn Cross Broden. Marianne was a vivacious and warm-hearted sister to her "favorite older sister" and only sibling Charlotte Ruth Broden. \r\n\r\nMarianne graduated from Lamar High School in Houston, Texas. She attended Park College in Parkville, Missouri and later transferred to Austin College where she earned a bachelor's degree in biblical studies with minors in education and English. At Austin College, Marianne was a member of Who's Who Among Students, sang in the school's a cappella choir and was elected Coronation Queen her senior year. After her graduation, Marianne taught elementary school for five years in Dallas, Texas and one year in Torrance, California. \r\n\r\nOn a blind date, Marianne met Robert "Bob" Bowers, a second-year medical student. After dating for three years, Marianne and Bob married on June 20, 1958, in the chapel at First Presbyterian Church of Dallas, Texas. The ceremony was officiated by her brother-in-law, Rev. Robert P. Douglass. The couple honeymooned in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and then headed west to California where Bob, as a physician, was a Captain in the U.S. Public Health Service serving the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Merchant Marines. Marianne taught school and became a doting, supportive wife. They settled in San Pedro, California. In 1959, their extended honeymoon was lovingly interrupted by the arrival of their first child, Laura. The couple returned to Texas where they continued to be blessed as they welcomed their second child, Robert "Rob," and their youngest son, Kent. In 1971, Marianne and Bob settled in Kerrville, Texas to raise their three generally well-behaved children. \r\n\r\nMarianne was a vibrant part of the Kerrville community. She was active in the First Presbyterian Church serving as a church Elder, member of the choir, member of the Women's Circle, and as a Sunday school teacher. Additionally, Marianne was a Girl Scout troop leader for many years, a member of the PTA, P.E.O. and medical auxiliary. Marianne and Bob were also involved with multiple mission trips to Ecuador, Haiti, Mexico, Honduras and the Dominican Republic. Bob served for seven years as a general practitioner and 33 years as an ophthalmologist. Following Bob's retirement, they enjoyed travelling with family and entertaining friends. Some of their best memories were spent celebrating with family along the Guadalupe River at The Bears' Lair in Mary Meade, Texas and making holiday traditions with family at their home in Kerrville.\r\n\r\nMarianne was preceded in death by her parents, sister, brother-in-law and nephew, Perry Cross Douglass.\r\n\r\nShe is survived by her loving husband Dr. Robert "Bob" Bowers of Kerrville; daughter Laura L. Lutz and husband August A. Lutz, Jr. of Kerrville; son Robert Bowers and wife Myrna Bowers of San Antonio; son Kent Bowers and wife Eva Bowers of Kerrville; nephew David E. Douglass and wife Donna Douglass of Florida; sister-in-law Carolyn L. Sullivan, husband Mort Sullivan of Rockwall, Texas, alongside their sons and family; cousin Lynda Gray of Alabama. Grandchildren: Alison Lutz Waldon and husband Mason Waldon, Meredith and Cole Lutz; Grace, Caroline and Robert Broden Bowers; Esther and Sara Marianne Bowers. \r\n\r\nMarianne's loving, high-energy spirit, penchant for storytelling, her infectious laugh, and true tenacity for life will be remembered and cherished by all those who were fortunate enough to know her. \r\n\r\nA memorial service in her honor will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015 at the First Presbyterian Church in Kerrville, Texas, officiated by the Rev. Dr. Rob Lohmeyer. Prior to the memorial service, at 10:30 a.m. a small ceremony will be held at the columbarium at First Presbyterian Church. Following the service a reception to celebrate her life will be held at Ryan Hall. \r\n\r\nIn lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Medical Ministry International at P.O. Box 1339, Allen, Texas 75013, or Witnessing Ministries of Christ-A Presbyterian Sponsorship Program of the Dalit Children of India at P.O. Box 5516, Fresno, CA 93755-5516, or the Baptist Haiti Mission at 13420 Eastpoint Centre Drive, Louisville, KY 40223, or Cottey College at 1000 W. Austin Blvd., Nevada, MO 64772, or the charity of one's choice.\r\n\r\nThe family of Marianne Bowers wishes to extend our sincere thanks to her dedicated physicians and the staff at Peterson Regional Medical Center.\r\n