Mary Catherine (Gerber) Bowen

Mary Bowen, age 81, passed away peacefully at her home on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, on Tuesday, February 27, 2024. She was born on July 25, 1942, to Charles Ohland and Effie Louisa (LaBounty) Gerber. She was raised in Fremont, Michigan, with her two siblings, Helen (Gerber) Grayson and Chick Gerber. She met the first love of her life, Herbert Schultz, while attending Adrian College, and they married in 1963. Together they raised three children in Mason, Michigan, and Williamston, Michigan – Susan (Schultz) Donley, John Schultz, and Beth Schultz. After almost 25 years together, she lost Herb to cancer, and, shortly thereafter, she moved to Georgia to be close to her sister Helen. Although she lived almost half of her life in the South, she never shook her midwestern roots and characteristics, including her punctuality, impeccably honest demeanor, and her strong caretaking values.

While living in Griffin, Georgia, she met and married the second love of her life, Benton Bowen. They shared almost 30 years together in Georgia and South Carolina. During their time together, Mary welcomed and cherished nine grandchildren who made her beam with pride at every opportunity. Family and friends were the true joys in her life, and she also loved golfing, traveling, craftwork, and gardening. She spent many happy hours playing bridge and was not afraid to learn new technology to stay connected to her multiple nieces and nephews – and, of course, her grandchildren. Whether volunteering for the Camp Fire Girls, at the school library, or with the local Board of Elections, Mary was generous to a fault and would always have a smile or sparkle in her startling light blue eyes to share with others. 

She was a cherished daughter, wife, mother, sister, Aunt, Mimi, and friend and will be deeply missed. Those she leaves behind will carry on her no-nonsense, caring, and loving legacy.

Mary will be laid to rest at 1 pm on Friday, June 14, 2024, in Summit Cemetery, in Williamston, Michigan.  A meal will follow the graveside service.

If you would like to be included, please reach out to the family at mgbmemorial@gmail.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of Mary’s favorite charities, the Salvation Army, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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