Karen Bowman

Celebration of Life Services for Karen Elizabeth Bowman, 65, Lawrence, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 2, 2011, at University Community of Christ Church in Lawrence. She died June 25, 2011 at St. Francis Hospital in Topeka, KS.

She was born January 29, 1946, in California the daughter of Novy and Norma Maxine (Sheppard) Bowman.

Karen graduated from Lawrence High School in 1964 and later received her B.A. degree in education from the University of Kansas.  She was an elementary teacher in Lawrence Public Schools.

She was a member of Lawrence Community of Christ Church, where she was a Priest.

She married Henry Murphy on July 11, 1970 in Lawrence.  They later divorced.

Survivors include two daughters, Renée Murphy, Lawrence; Carrie Murphy, Lawrence; her mother, Norma Maxine Bowman, Lawrence; three sisters, Maggie Bowman, Lawrence; Bobbi Bowman and husband, Robert Fox, Salem, OR; Patti Bowman, Salem, OR; one brother, John Bowman and wife, Krin, Lawrence; nieces and nephews; two friends, Olivia and Chipper.

She was preceded in death by her father, Novy Bowman on June 10, 2009.

The family will greet friends after the service.

The family suggests memorials in her name to HART Ministries and may be sent in care of the Warren-McElwain Mortuary.
 

16 Condolences

  1. Ashley Hamamy on June 27, 2011 at 8:57 am

    Praying for you and your family. I never met Karen personally, but she still touched my life with her strength and compassion.



  2. Sharon and Larry Norris on June 27, 2011 at 11:27 am

    We are so sorry for Karen’s death that moves her to a new life. She is free from her pain but those of us left behind will miss her so much. We are particularly sending our love and prayers to the family and those closest to her.

    Blessings and Love, Larry and Sharon



  3. Sherry Tamerius on June 28, 2011 at 12:30 am

    So sad to learn of Karen’s death. I have fond memories of teaching with her at Riverside. She knew how to make people laugh. My thoughts and prayers are with all of her family. God be with you all.



  4. Connie Kesinger on June 28, 2011 at 8:03 am

    My deepest sympathies to all of you. I will always remember her as “Smurphy” – it was her nickname when we worked together at Quail Run. Special hugs to Maggie and Krin.



  5. Jo Kimbrough on June 28, 2011 at 9:05 am

    Renee:

    May the peace of the Risen Christ be with you.

    Love and Prayers,
    Jo



  6. Laurie Romig on June 28, 2011 at 12:30 pm

    Dear Friends,
    Losing a mother, family member, and friend is so very difficult. I know your hearts grieve at losing such a wonderful person. And yet, Karen looks down from heaven with love and concern. Her heart mixes with her love and concern for you, and her new found unutterable joy she finds in her new home.

    My prayers are with you in this most difficult hour.
    Your Friend in Christ,
    Laurie Romig



  7. Eddie and Jane Faircloth on June 28, 2011 at 2:41 pm

    We are so sorry for your loss; we will always treasure our “special” moments with Karen at the Celebrations. She has a special place in our hearts! We send you our love and prayers during this time of mourning. God Bless you all…….Eddie and Jane.



  8. Kim Orth on June 28, 2011 at 3:13 pm

    Dear Carrie and Family,
    So sorry for your loss. Please know that I’m thinking and praying for you as you go through this difficult time.



  9. Pam Maguire on June 28, 2011 at 10:27 pm

    Carrie & Renee, Though I did not know your mom well, I loved her happy and always loving spirit… that spirit will live on in the hearts of all of those she taught and touched… just think, that’s a lot of people! God bless and comfort you both and your family.



  10. Sherry Wealthall on June 29, 2011 at 12:44 am

    I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I always had such a great time at the PMS Christmas parties at Karen’s house.



  11. Lisa Stofac on June 29, 2011 at 5:33 pm

    Karen was a wonderful, sweet woman. She will be fondly remembered.



  12. Marlene and Rob Woodard on July 2, 2011 at 11:03 am

    Krin and the entire Bowman family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. From Rob, Marlene, Jake, Emma and Maddie



  13. Pat Putnam on July 2, 2011 at 5:04 pm

    I will miss knowing Karen is there. She was so strong and so consistently loving, wise, and helpful. I will miss her very much. It’s great to know she is with our lovely Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. See you there, Karen!



  14. Becky Kester on July 6, 2011 at 8:04 am

    Carrie and Renee – I am so sorry to hear about your mom. Our congregation recived an email yesterday. I’m sorry I didn’t know, or I would have been at her service. You mom was an awesome lady and I feel blessed that I knew her. Take care and hugs and prayers as you heal.



  15. Ruth Anne Sneegas on July 6, 2011 at 5:08 pm

    Dear Carrie, Krin and family, We are so sorry to hear about Karen. We have such fond memories of our years at Quail Run and Karen was such a nice, kind lady. Take care, Ruth Anne, Randy, John and Jason



  16. Ashley on July 11, 2011 at 10:38 am

    ***All is Well***
    Death is nothing at all.
    I have only slipped away into the next room.
    I am I, and you are you.
    Whatever we were to each other, that we still are.
    Call me by my old familiar name,
    Speak to me in the easy way which you always used.
    Put no difference in your tone,
    Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
    Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
    Play, smile, think of me and if you want to, pray for me.
    Let my name be ever the household word that it always was,
    Let it be spoken without effect,
    Without the trace of a shadow on it.
    Life means all that it ever meant.
    It is the same as it ever was;
    There is unbroken continuity.
    Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
    I am waiting for you,
    For an interval,
    Somewhere very near,
    Just around the corner.
    All is well
    by Henry Scott-Holland.



Leave a Condolence