Lois Louise Bowman passed away on February 23, 2017 at Valley View Home of natural causes. She was born July 2, 1918 in Glasgow, Montana to Stuart and Quaint Brookie. Lois lived on her father’s homestead north of the Bjounberg Bridge. She was home schooled until the 6 th grade and then attended the Stuff Country School with the Stuff, Canen and other neighboring families. Lois later attended and graduated high school at Hinsdale in 1936. Lois stayed at the Chester Hotel which was a dormitory for school kids. Her mother (Quaint) was guardian there for two years.
After graduation, Lois attended college at Bozeman majoring in Home Economics, graduating in 1940. She later taught Science and English in Valier, Montana where she met G. W. (Bill) Bowman, her future husband. After returning from military duty, Bill and Lois where married on May 13, 1945 at Opportunity, Washington.
The couple returned to the Saco area and took over the duties of working the family farm and ranch. Two children were added to the union, Georgia in 1947 and Jim in 1951. They also accepted Ben Ferguson as a foster child into the family.
Lois was a good cook but would rather be outside. She loved taking care of animals or driving tractor. She cared for the chickens, raised many pigs and would work diligently to revive a cold calf or sick animal. Lois enjoyed her flower gardens. Lois was probably happiest when in her tractor, cultivating or seeding crops. Lots of huge boulders were no match for her 145 or 835 Versatile.
With a family to feed, Lois spent much time cooking. It didn’t take her long to whip up a meal for anyone who showed up at the table. She enjoyed hosting family and friends and helped organize family reunions. Lois was active in the Methodist Church and community, she loved music and played piano and organ for church and many funerals, helped with the Summer Bible School, and 4-H and FFA supporter, Theta Roe leader, Rebecca and Eastern Star Member.
Lois enjoyed many arts and crafts but a favorite was wheat weaving.
Lois lived at the ranch until health problems arose. She called Nemont Manor, Prairie Ridge and Valley View all home and her family would like to thank all these people for the “helping hands” and kindness they showed.
Survivors include her daughter, Georgia (Art) Arnold of Saugerties, New York; son, Jim (Nancy) Bowman of Hinsdale, Montana; daughter-in-law, Carmen Ferguson of Ashland, Oregon; grandchildren, V.J. Ricci, David (Jen) Ricci, Jennifer (Jeremy) Engelin of New York, Sherri (Ky) Idler, Chad (Kristine) Bowman of Hinsdale, Scott (Joan) Ferguson of Cleveland, Ohio, Lisa (Neil) Grey of South Carolina, Steven (Cande) Ferguson of Washington, Jerry Arnold (Debbie) of Hinsdale and Amber (Jim) Cummings of Cape Cod, Mass; great-grandchildren Xavier and Gabriella Engelin; Loden, Montaya, Addison and Briggs Idler; Coy, Reese and Landry Bowman; Luke (Carlene) Griffis, Laura (Justin) Blake, Willow Grey,Tori Arnold, Kelcey Arnold, Chase Sherman and James Cummings; great-greatgrandchildren Audrey and Ana Blake, Colt Knaff, Kinna and Bo Griffis.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Stuart and Quaint “Dolly” Brookie; husband, G.W. “Bill” Bowman; foster son, Ben Ferguson and granddaughter, Susan Ferguson Griffis.