Gratia Lee Bowen

Gratia Lee Bowen

1921-2015

Gratia Lee Bowen died 09 June 2015.

Gratia was born to Ernest and Clemie Lee Dome on Oct. 12, 1921, in Natura, Okmulgee Co., OK. She moved to Edmond with parents about 1930, and grew up in Edmond with sisters Valeta Ruth and Martha Sue. She graduated from Edmond H.S. in 1938; and from Central State College with a B.S. Degree in Education in 1945.

Gratia met her husband, John Holden Bowen, in Denver, CO, and they were married Nov. 13, 1948, in Edmond, OK. They were both members of 1^st Presbyterian Church and Gratia taught Sunday School classes there.

She began work at Okla. Natural Gas in Edmond; then worked at the War Production Board in O.C. She moved to Colorado and was employed at the Denver Federal Center by the Veterans Admin. Branch Office in Research and Statistics. When Gratia and her husband John moved back to Okla., she worked in Admissions & Records, C.SU., then Special Education while John graduated from C.SU.; then OU; then became Associate Professor at C.SU. Gratia and John retired in 1984.

Gratia was preceded in death by her parents; by a younger sister, Martha Sue; and by her husband, John Holden Bowen. She is survived by her sons, Dr. John Michael Bowen, UCO; and Lee Marcus Bowen and wife Linda, Colorado Springs, CO; and grandsons Nathan Bowen and Sgt. Richard W. Bowen, USA; and by her sister, Valeta Ruth Dome, Edmond.

Gratia loved music, was an avid reader, and was involved in family genealogy and research, and loved to travel.

She was a member of several Edmond organizations: YMCA, KKI, Sorosis Club, past President of AAVW, past member of M.O.M.S. Club. She was also a member of the Edmond Genealogy Club, the 1889’ers Society, and First Families of the Twin Territories.

Services are under the direction of Matthews Funeral Home in Edmond, OK. A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, June 15, 2015, at 2:00 p.m. at the Matthews Funeral Home Chapel with a Graveside Service to follow at 3:30 p.m. at Gracelawn Cemetery in Edmond, OK. Visitation will be on Saturday, June 13, 2015, from 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.