Ethel Bowden

BOWDEN, VICTORIA ETHEL MAE- A visitation will be held 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Monday, January 15, 2018 at LaGrone Funeral Chapel for Ethel Bowden, age 99, of Roswell, NM who passed away Tuesday, January 9, 2018. A funeral service will be held 1:00 PM, Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at LaGrone Funeral Chapel. Interment will be at South Park Cemetery, Pastor Ryan Reynolds of Redeemer Christian Fellowship will officiate.

Victoria Ethel Mae Bowden was born June 8, 1918 to Clementine Shofner Stone and Sondley Knox Stone in Nashville, Arkansas. Ethel was born in a feather bed at the family home on the afternoon the sun went into total eclipse and it was so dark the chickens went to roost. She graduated from Nashville High School in 1934. She enjoyed being a Cheer Leader and was the football Queen during her high school career. She was bragged on many by being one of the loudest cheer leaders in her squad.

Ethel married Champ Clark Bowden on September 11, 1938 and they were married for 66 years until Champ's death. They owned and operated Bowden Bakery for 16 years in Nashville where Ethel used to deliver loaves of bread on a bike. They moved to Roswell, NM in 1954 for health reasons. Ethel started working for Huffs Jewelry while earning her degree from National Bridal Service. She worked for Huffs for 10 years as a Bridal Consultant. A Bridal Consultant took care of registering the couple for their china, silver, and crystal. She took care of invitations, wedding reception coordination and helped as needed when called upon. This was all furnished by Huffs Jewelry. Ethel left Huff Jewelry to manage the record department at Zink's Record and Appliance Store. Later she became the store manager and took over operations for the entire store for several years until Mr. Zink decided to close the store. Ethel even helped find the person to buy the record store. She then went to work at Miller Waldrop Furniture and while employed there got her degree from LaSalle University as an Interior Decorator. She worked for Miller Waldrop for 15 years. Retiring from sales in 1984 she remained active in her community and began traveling.

Ethel was always an active member of the community serving as PTA President at Mark Howell Elementary School, was involved with all the school activities and sports programs her son was active in. She was active in church starting at a young age of 12. As a member of First Christian Church, Ethel was a member of the Harmony Class, Women's Guild and helped serve in the community kitchen. She helped growth in the class by sharing her love of Christ with others. She was a member of the Business Women's Club, a charter member of Beta Sigma Phi and a member of the garden club. She enjoyed playing bridge and fishing.

After retiring, Ethel enjoyed traveling seeing a majority of the United States including Alaska and Hawaii, 16 European Countries, Mexico, Scotland, England, and a number of islands from cruises
Ethel was a lover of animals especially dogs. She always had a fur baby as a companion and loved them all from Cheetah Baby her Pomeranian to her latest companion Samantha (Sam). She loved all sports, especially her football. She could be heard rooting for her beloved Cowboys and could talk any sports with just about anybody.

Ethel was a complicated woman with a huge heart. She made no apologies for who she was. She was known for her love of people and always trying to help others. Those left to cherish her memory are her son Champ Bowden and wife Jeannette, Grandson Bryan Bowden and wife Elizabeth, Grandson Tom Bowden and wife Liz, great grandchildren Champy Bowden and Arianna Bowden, numerous nieces and nephews and extended family. She was the youngest of seven children and was preceded in death by both parents, and sibilings: Verdie Knox, Fairy Ann, Joe Warlick, Sara Alta Jane, William Cullen, and Sondley (Tut) Clem.

The family would like to thank Kindred Hospice and Heartfelt Manor for their loving care.

Pallbearers will be Robert Jones, Jim Dickinson, Marvin Smith, Chuck Holloway, John Kling and Jim Bloodhart.

Visitation

LaGrone Funeral Chapel
900 South Main
Roswell, NM  88203
Monday, January 15, 2018
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Service

LaGrone Funeral Chapel
900 S. Main
Roswell, NM  88203
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
1:00 pm

Cemetery

South Park Cemetery
3101 S. Main
Roswell, NM  88203

Memorial Contributions

ROSWELL HUMANE SOCIETY
703 E. MCGAFFEY
ROSWELL, NM  88203