Barbara JoAnn (Tisor) Bowen

     Barbara JoAnn Bowen peacefully passed away on 25 December, 2024.  Born in Todd Town to Clyde and Iva Tisor on October 21, 1932, Barbara was the youngest of five boys and four girls.  Clyde was a farmhand, and would also work at the CJ button factory.  Iva was a part-time employee to local physician, Dr. Pence, assisting with home births.  Barbara attended schools in Columbus City and Columbus Junction.  As a sophomore she elected to dropout and would begin working at the local bakery and, later, at the button factory.
     In 1949 she wed Dale Bowen, a depot agent with the Milwaukee Railroad.  Together they would have five sons: Leonard, Loren, Leland, Lowell, and Lyle (Loren and Lyle would die in infancy).  His employment would lead them to residences in Conseville, Ainsworth, Washington, and Sigourney.  An attentive and caring mother, she strived to make sure her children had the opportunities that she lacked the encouragement or financial ability to realize.
      A steadfast provider, Barbara would find employment as a waitress, the Washington Calendar Factory, and Smithcraft.  In 1965 she would begin the swing shift at Muscatine’s Thatcher Plastic Packaging, and would remain in that job for thirty-five years.  Unfettered by challenges, her anxiety of water led her to complete swim lessons so she could enjoy the same activity with her grandchildren.  Always regretting not finishing high school she would earn her GED at the age of sixty.  She also completed a keyboard classes enabling her to communicate electronically with distant family. Retiring in 2000, she served as a volunteer at the Muscatine Hospital for several years while also working part-time providing in-home care for the elderly.  She was a member of  Muscatine’s Women of the Moose chapter, and would serve as president of that unit. 
     Barbara’s sons lived far away from the Columbus Junction area for many years, each moving around the country and overseas as required by their occupations.  She would visit them as frequently as possible, with many trips taking her to twelve different states and Puerto Rico.  She was an adoring and devoted grandmother.  She was an avid card player, gardener, housekeeper, and cook.  A Depression Age child, she was thrifty and prudent in her ways, but generous to her family and in giving to others in need.  As a member of the CJ Presbyterian Church she served as a Deacon.  During her retirement she also volunteered at Colonial Manor.
     In recent years Barbara fought the ravages of dementia.  Through it all, she maintained her zest for life, and an unwillingness to give-in.  Although the sadness of her passing will diminish with time, her unwavering commitment to family and treasured memories of her selfless deeds will endure.
     She is preceded in death by her parents, brothers and sisters, infant sons Loren and Lyle, and son, Lowell.
Barbara will always be in the hearts of her remaining children: Len Bowen and Leland (Jill) Bowen;  her grandchildren Briana and Benjamin; and her great grandchildren Avery, Christopher, Jillianne, and Leland.   
      Many thanks to Colonial Manor for the oversight of her care for the past several years (as she could be quite a firecracker!).  Also, much appreciation to Compassus Hospice during her final days.   Cremation, as requested by Barbara, will be provided by Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral Home of Muscatine.  A date of interment has yet to be determined.    

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