Juanita A. Elvert was born May 12, 1924, in Miami, Florida, the daughter of Charles and Ethel (Loudmilk) Elvert. At the age of four, she moved with her parents to Winter Beach, Florida, where she received her education. As a young lady she worked in the sugar beet fields in the Winter Beach area.
Juanita was united in marriage to Odie Dale Bowen on September 11, 1943 in Vero Beach, Florida. They made their home in Virginia and Arizona, where Dale was serving in the United States Army.
After his discharge, they moved to Arizona until 1946, when they moved to the Philip area. While in Philip, Juanita worked for Fred Robins and later at the Park Inn Cafe for Pinky Anderson. She then worked as a dish washer for the Philip School System until a car accident in 1994 forced her to retire.
In 2000, due to health reasons, she moved into the Philip Nursing Home, where she has since resided.
Her husband, Odie Dale Bowen preceded her in death on September 13, 2000.
Juanita was a member of the First Lutheran Church, and the American Legion Auxiliary, both of Philip.
Survivors include a son Charles Bowen and his wife Linda of Rapid City; six daughters Dorthy Parkes and her husband Philip of Tonopah, Arizona; Vickie White and her husband Randy of Alvin, Texas, Brenda Bowen of Decatur, Iowa, Theresa Miller and her husband Roy of Philip, Connie Schlim and her husband Clyde of Philip, and Marla Boyd and her husband Randy of Philip; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; one brother; and three sisters.
In addition to her husband, Juanita was preceded in death by a son Robert "Bob" Bowen; two brothers Charles and Lawrence Elvert; and two sisters Annabelle and Mary.
Visitation was held from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, March 10, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip, and one hour preceding the services at the church on Saturday.
Funeral services were held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 11, at the United Church in Philip, with Pastor Mark Ford officiating.
Interment was 1:00 p.m. Monday, March 13, at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis.
A memorial is established.
FUNERAL SERVICES
Saturday, March 11, 2006 10:00 a.m.
United Church
Philip, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Mark Ford
MUSIC
Marilyn Millage – Pianist
Barb Bowen -Vocalist
"Amazing Grace"
"His Eye Is On The Sparrow"
USHERS
Shane Noack – Cory Boyd
PALLBEARERS
Tim Hughes – Ryan Hughes
Jeremy Hughes – Rick Parkes
Kelly Parkes – Irvin Jones
Henry Hanson – Russell Hansen
Roger Williams – James Peterson
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT
Monday, March 13, 2006 1:00 p.m.
Black Hills National Cemetery
Sturgis, South Dakota
Guest Book
I'm truly sorry to read of Mrs. Bowen's death. She was a hard working and caring person. I spent many days playing and working with the kids. Hi Dorthy! One thing I remember is the huge pancake griddle she had that was made from the lid of a wringer wash machine. She cooked some delicious cakes on it! A great lady and I will keep my fond memories of her.
~ Carol Hansen Vogan
2865 Mockinbird Lane, Colorado Springs, CO 80929 (3/7/2006)
I took care of Juanita at the nursing home and I have to tell you what a delight she was. She always hugged and kissed me as much as she could. She was so very kind and thoughtful. Always worrying about everyone else. I feel lucky to have known her and shared in her life. She loved her family very much and always had a good story to tell. Her smile will always be in my heart. So sorry, may thoughts and prayers with you.
~ Laura Rotzien
Rapid City, SD 57703 (3/7/2006)
We send our sympathy to all of you. I have good memories of all the wonderful tomatoes we got from Juanita. She was quite a gardener and a caring person.
~ Don & Donna Olivier
Philip, SD (3/7/2006)
What a woman she was. You never had to wonder where she stood, she told you how it is and was, like it or not, a personality all of us should live bye. She would have given her shirt off of her back to anyone who needed it. And has left alot of her children with the same manner. I see it alot in you Connie and Marla, whom I have the opportunity to spend the most time with, always making something and giving it to someone you think needs it or would appreciate your generosity which is a trade mark you Mom and Dad instilled in you and I know that is one thing that makes them very proud to have been your parents. The time will soon come when you think of your mom and your heart will smile instead of ache, because of the wonderful person she was and the memories and life skills she gave alot of life skills not only to her children but to all of us who had the opportunity to love her. I know Dale's happiest day other then marrying her was the day they were together again in heaven on Tuesday March 7th 2006.
~ Digger & Dorothy Hansen
Philip (3/7/2006)
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
~ Dave & Karen Webb
Rapid City, SD (3/7/2006)
Theresa , we are sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. She is in a far better place I am sure. Our sympathy to all of the family. memories are so precious. I still miss my mom.
~ Judy & Carl Peterson
17307 Fox Ridge Rd. Opal, SD 57758 (3/7/2006)
So sorry to hear about the loss of your loved one. Our most heartfelt sympathy goes out to all the family. May God make your passage through grief short, may His comfort sustain you and may your memories be full of sweetness. She was a Great Lady.
~ Mr. & Mrs. Larry Schulz
Philip, SD (3/7/2006)
So sorry for your loss.
~ Don & Susie Cuppy
Mitchell (3/7/2006)
Grandma will be missed.
~ Kim Taylor, Jeremy Ihrig, Chelsie and Zachary Taylor, Aden Ihrig
13808 Silver Firs Drive Everett, WA 98208 (3/7/2006)
Thoughts and prayers are with you all. I have not gotten used to the fact that I have recently lost my own Mother, and now my "step-mom" is now with her. She is deeply missed. Our greatest sympathy goes out to all of you. Bless you all.
~ Ken and Vicky (Formanek) Carlson
Box 266 Opheim, Montana (3/7/2006)
So sorry to hear about your Mother. I have so many good memories of her from my child hood. Her big garden and all the canning she did from it, her sewing and all the good food we had. Never went away hungry. I spent a lot of time in that house and will always remember that was treated like one of her own. It was a pleasure to take care of her when I also worked at the nursing home in Philip. All of you are in thoughts and prayers. She will be cooking and sewing for the Lord now. God Bless. Ralph & Cathy
~ Ralph & Cathy Fiedler
2130 Ellen St. Lot 4 Sturgis, S.D. (3/7/2006)