Anola Gill Bowerman

Anola Burris Gill Bowerman, 89, left this life Thursday, March 9, 2017, to join other family members.

Daughter of Robert L. and Amy Kirk Burris, she was born Sept. 3, 1927, in Ware, Illinois. Nicknamed “Mouse,” she married Harry Gill on Sept. 25, 1946, in Cape Girardeau, where she lived most of her adult life.

A member of Old St Vincent’s/St Mary’s Cathedral she was a past member of the Altar Sodality, Daughters of Isabell and VFW Ladies Auxiliary. After Harry’s death, she was a founding member of Parents Without Partners, where she met and married Ralph Bowerman. They moved to Alton, Illinois, and managed the kitchen for the Alton Motor Boat Club, later moving back home. Ralph preceded her in death in 2006.

Anola’s outlook on life, great sense of humor, and loving family got her through the many tragedies she endured. Staying active with hard work and gardening kept her going strong for many years.

Anola and Harry were blessed with 10 children.

When her health started failing, a daughter, Patricia Dokich, moved in to help care for her the past nine years. She was always grateful for the love and care from Patricia and others of her children and grandchildren.

Survivors include children Hugh (Sue) Gill, Harry Gill, Anola (Mike) Stowick, Martha (Tom) Hamilton, Jeannie (Bill) Hinck and Patricia Dokich, as well as missing daughter Elizabeth “Beth” Gill; and stepchildren, Linda (Ralph) Mueller and Lindsey Bowerman. Also 34 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and siblings Gilbert Burris and Carole Glasson.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands, Harry Gill and Ralph Bowerman; daughters Laura Whittaker and Mary Grimes; son, J. Patrick Gill; along with six siblings.

We grieve not for Anola, whose suffering is over, but for family and friends who will forever have a vacant place in our hearts.

Anola Bowerman

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home, with parish prayers at 7 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Old St Vincent’s Catholic Church in downtown Cape Girardeau. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Morgan Nick Foundation for Missing Children in Alma, Arkansas.

Online condolences may be shared at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.