Lela Marie (Bowman) Brown

Lela Marie (Bowman) Brown ,97, long time Moses Lake resident, passed away at Samaritan Hospital on April 22, 2014. A celebration of her life will be held on May 17th at 11 am at the First Church of The Nazarene in Moses Lake. Pastor Floyd R. Wilks and Pastor Ed Trenner of Orange, California will be officiating. Sign the online guestbook at www.kayserschapel.com Arrangements are in care of Kayser's Chapel & Crematory.

Lela Marie Bowman was born on February 10, 1917 to Frank and Cora Bowman of Healy, Kansas. She was born in the family sod house, one of five sisters and one brother. As a young girl Lela Marie spent much of her time working on the family farm and caring for her siblings. She attended grade school in Healy, KS and moved to Jerome, KS. for high school.

Lela Marie and her sisters were well known for their singing and were frequently called upon to perform for schools, churches and weddings; a passion which would stay with her well into her 80's.

On July 18, 1937 she married Udell Emmett Brown. A year later the first of three girls was born- Fortune Marie. Shortly after her birth they moved to Everson, WA where Udell worked as a mechanic and wrecker driver. It was here that their second daughter, Venita Adell was born in 1940. They then moved to Bellingham, Wa. Where Udell had an auto shop and Lela Marie went to work for Western Auto as a bookkeeper. In 1943 their 3rd daughter Carla Grace was born.

Late in the summer of 1947 the Browns moved to Soap Lake where they owned the Phillips 66 Gas Station and Auto garage. While in Soap Lake they attended Soap Lake Community Church. She enjoyed teaching Sunday School and was the music director for all three choirs. She loved to entertain and was very active in hosting and aiding with church banquets and school activities; in addition to being a member of the Lioness Club and the Women's American Legion.

By1952 the Browns made the decision to close the shop and make one final move to their long time home in Moses Lake. Udell went to work at Boyle's Chevrolet. Lela Marie continued teaching Sunday school and worked with choirs at The Evangelical United Brethren Church and later continued her legacy of music at the Nazarene Church.

In the mid 60's Udell helped to form the automotive dept. at BBCC. Meanwhile Lela Marie enjoyed entertaining the BBCC Women's Club. In addition she belonged to the Soroptomist Club, Yacht Club, Garden Club and the Neighborettes Club.

Lela Marie's love of making beautiful décor and helping with weddings and parties lead her to found the Creation Barrel which would soon blossom into the Bridal Boutique. Working until the age of 90, she has touched the lives of those who came to her with weddings, anniversaries, and parties for more than 25 Years.

Lela Marie Brown is Preceded in death by her husband Udell, daughter Venita, her parents Frank and Cora Bowman and her siblings Grace Miller, Lillabelle Lundgren, Eva Darlene Gruver, and Blanch, Gladys and Calvin Bowman.

She is survived by her daughter Fortune Marie, son in-law Duane Wagner, her granddaughters Denett Pickett and Carrie Isaacson, her great-grandchildren Deidre Norman, Tyrell Pickett, Alan Isaacson, Ian Pickett, Chelsea Kelly, and Ashley Pickett and great-great-grandchildren Gage and Dane Norman.

She is also survived by her daughter Carla Grace, son in-law Ed Trenner, grandchildren Cyndee Lynn Strozewski, Denise Trenner and Tina Trenner and great-grandchildren Lilly Anne, Ethan and Emmett Strozewski.

As well as all the family and friends she has "adopted" during her long and love filled time with us.