Loie Bowers, 94, was surrounded by her loving family when she passed away at her home at Wynnfield Crossing 5:54 PM, October 13, 2025.
On April 10, 1931, Lois Ellen Helms was born in Cass County near Twelve Mile. She was a treasured daughter of Ross David and Ruth (Winegardner) Helms. Growing up she shared her childhood as one of 11 children. Loie graduated with from Twelve Mile High School in 1949.
Following graduation Loie moved to Rochester and was employed by Topp's Manufacturing. She later was a seamstress for the B & B Store and other local stores. She did custom alterations for over 40 years until she retired.
On June 3, 1951, Loie married the love of her life Mr. James R. "Jim" Bowers In Rochester's First Christian Church. They shared 66 years of life’s adventures. From their union came 5 wonderful children, two daughters and three sons.
A woman of strong faith, Loie was a devoted member of the First Christian Church. She was always there to lend a helping hand for church funeral dinners and was a member of the Christian Women's Fellowship.
With the Bowers kids growing up there were many fun times and memories made. Summers were spent camping at the family farm gravel pit. Loie was passionate about water safety and always insisted on everyone wearing a life jacket.
As the matriarch of the Bowers family, Loie was proud of her legacy. She faithfully attended every generations' sporting events, concerts and other activities.
Loie was known for her superb cooking including fried chicken, pies and apple dumplings. She spent hours with the other church ladies making apple dumplings for church dinners and as a church fundraiser. She always looked forward to hosting family holiday gatherings and special family celebrations.
Left to cherish Loie's memory, are five children: John Bowers (JoAnn), RuthAnn Ravencroft, Joe Bowers, Sue Bowers all of Rochester, Jay Bowers (Cindy) of Denver; twelve grandchildren: Phillip Bowers (Lesley), Ross Bowers (Tim), Joe Bowers (Kate), Lyndee Duhnovsky (Shawn), Jacob Smith (Michelle), Joshua Smith (Sumer), Nick Bowers (fiancée Laura), Amy Bowers, Mitch Bowers (Brita), Marc Bowers (Heather), Jaci France (Lee), Cori Knight (Michael); 28 great grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren with another blessing to arrive in December; a sister, Elsie Helms Strasser, a sister-in-law Betty Helms; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceding Loie in death are her beloved husband Jim on October 15, 2017, a daughter-in-law Terri (Vojtasek) Bowers, 2 sons-in-law Dr. Tim Ravencroft DDS and Harold (Hoot) Howard, 9 siblings Lena Dillman, Dorothy Crane, Anna Morrett, John Helms, Hollis Helms, Mary Gallahan, Rose Marie Helms, Edward Helms, Thomas Helms.
Loie's family wish to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Wynnfield Crossing Staff and to Gentiva Hospice for their professional and outstanding health care services.
A celebration of the life of Lois E. (Loie) Bowers will be at 1:00 PM, Thursday, October 16, 2025, in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th Street, Rochester.
Her family will receive friends from 11:00 AM until the time of her service. Celebrant Ashley Young will officiate.
Burial will follow at the IOOF Cemetery, Rochester. Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church, 1101 Madison St., Rochester, IN 46975 or to Gentiva Hospice, 730 Main Street, Rochester.
Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.goodfamilyfh.com
