Betty Bowman-Wagner

Betty Bowman-Wagner, 92, went home to be with our Lord on September 23, 2022.  Born in Ridley Park, PA, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Marie Meixner.

Betty was a longtime resident of Philadelphia, PA, moved to Vancouver WA to live with her son and his family in 2015, and most recently relocated with them to Bluffton, SC.

She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother devoted to her family and church families.  In her many years as a member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Philadelphia, PA she served as church secretary, organist, Sunday School teacher, daycare assistant and held numerous leadership positions.  She also served as organist at Oxford Circle Baptist Church, Philadelphia in her later years and became known as the beloved “Grandma Betty” at Life Journey Church in Vancouver, WA where her son served as pastor.

Betty enjoyed traveling, reading, needlework, and spending time with family and many friends.  She will be missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her son, Robert Swearer (Marjorie)’ grandchildren Nathan Swearer, Brian Swearer (Dahlia), Amy Swearer, Emily Brown (Robert); niece Betsy Massa (Kurt) and brother-in-law, Werner Buschmann.  She was preceded in death by two husbands, Howell G. Bowman and Edward Wagner; her beloved sister Gloria M. Buschmann, and niece Bonnie Michel.

Her family will gather for a celebration of her life later this fall.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Betty’s name to honor her service as a church musician may be made to the “Grandma Betty” Music Ministry Fund at Life Journey Lutheran Church, 1313 NE 134 ^th Street, Vancouver, WA 98665.