Rosie Marie (Mays) Bowman

Rosie Marie Bowman, age 87, passed away on May 25, 2021 in Ellinwood, Kansas. Rosie was born December 14, 1933 in Eads, Colorado. She was the daughter of Willie Henry and Zelda Augusta (Ernsdorf) Mays.

Rosie married Donald Lee Bowman on November 18, 1950. They raised their family on a small farm acreage in White City, Kansas. Rosie was dedicated at providing for her family, raising large gardens and working outside the home at Ft. Riley and in other various positions. In addition, she was actively involved in her children’s scouting and sports activities. Rosie made history by becoming the first female to coach a boys Little League baseball team in the surrounding area. The team went 12 – 1 on the season, winning their league title.

In 1970 the family moved to Lincolnville, Kansas. She worked at  Reynolds Aluminum in Hillsboro, Kansas for 10 years. After her 22 years of marriage, she purchased her own home in Hillsboro, residing there for 8 years prior to moving to Ulysses, Kansas. Rosie was a resident of Ulysses for over 30 years and has lived in Ellinwood for the past 10 years. Rosie worked as an equipment operator for the Kansas Department of Transportation while residing in Ulysses prior to retirement.

Rosie’s life evolved around her children, providing support for them in all their endeavors throughout her life. She enjoyed antiques, her collection of tins, spoons, and dolls. Rosie had a green thumb and truly loved planting and caring for her flowers, right up to the end of life.

Rosie was one that stood in the shadows so others could shine, she loved a lot in her time.

She is survived by her three sons, Richard (Colleen), Joe (Debbie), and Sam (Dena) Bowman; two daughters Donita Cameron and Connie (Chuck) Osgood; one brother Leo Mays; sister-in-law Sue (Britt) Evans; 17 Grandchildren; 22 Great Grandchildren; 6 Great-Great Grandchildren; and many nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son Baby Boy Bowman; brothers Bob, LeRoy, Billy Joe, Buddy, Dewayne Mays; and son-in-law Jerry Cameron.

 Inurnment will take place at 2:00 p.m. on June 5, 2021 in White City, Kansas. Memorials may be made to Ellinwood Heritage Center in care of Minnis Chapel, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526. Condolences to the family may be left at www.minnischapel.org

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