Obituary for Leah Ann Bowen
Leah Ann Bowen
6/22/1937 – 10/11/2019
Leah Ann Bowen passed peacefully with family around her. Born to John P. Carolus, Jr. and Noella Belaire Carolus on June 22, 1937, in Yakima, Washington, Leah Ann grew up near Yakima in Wapato, Washington. She attended Wapato and Yakima Schools, graduating from St. Joseph Academy in 1955.
John and Noella were proud of their beautiful little girl. She frequently wore long curls and frilly dresses, and often was compared to Shirley Temple. During WW2 John played his accordion and little Leah Ann would sing at the bond rallies raising funds for the war effort. Her young brother Raymond would often sing and harmonize with her. Eventually, their little sister Roberta would join in the music with them.
Leah Ann shared her beautiful voice, music, and her many talents with all of us at family gatherings, at school, in Church, in plays, and community events throughout her life. Movie star pretty, and an excellent dancer, she was always in great demand at dances. She taught her siblings and eventually her children about the joys of life. Leah Ann possessed a green thumb along with her artist's eye. She kept rose and vegetable gardens with her produce and blooms the envy of all. She enjoyed adventure - frequently fishing, hiking, and beach trekking with her husband Rusty. She took home the prize one year by catching a 40-pound King salmon. And could she ever cook!! There was nothing she couldn't make or bake.
Always ready with a hug, Leah Ann shared her smile and warm spirit with everyone. She was a generous, giving spirit who lifted us up when we were feeling down. She was a loving daughter, and an amazing big sister. She was a beloved wife to Rusty Bowen, and a wonderful Mother, Grand Mother, Aunt, and Great Aunt. She was loved by her family and friends and will be deeply missed.
6/22/1937 – 10/11/2019
Leah Ann Bowen passed peacefully with family around her. Born to John P. Carolus, Jr. and Noella Belaire Carolus on June 22, 1937, in Yakima, Washington, Leah Ann grew up near Yakima in Wapato, Washington. She attended Wapato and Yakima Schools, graduating from St. Joseph Academy in 1955.
John and Noella were proud of their beautiful little girl. She frequently wore long curls and frilly dresses, and often was compared to Shirley Temple. During WW2 John played his accordion and little Leah Ann would sing at the bond rallies raising funds for the war effort. Her young brother Raymond would often sing and harmonize with her. Eventually, their little sister Roberta would join in the music with them.
Leah Ann shared her beautiful voice, music, and her many talents with all of us at family gatherings, at school, in Church, in plays, and community events throughout her life. Movie star pretty, and an excellent dancer, she was always in great demand at dances. She taught her siblings and eventually her children about the joys of life. Leah Ann possessed a green thumb along with her artist's eye. She kept rose and vegetable gardens with her produce and blooms the envy of all. She enjoyed adventure - frequently fishing, hiking, and beach trekking with her husband Rusty. She took home the prize one year by catching a 40-pound King salmon. And could she ever cook!! There was nothing she couldn't make or bake.
Always ready with a hug, Leah Ann shared her smile and warm spirit with everyone. She was a generous, giving spirit who lifted us up when we were feeling down. She was a loving daughter, and an amazing big sister. She was a beloved wife to Rusty Bowen, and a wonderful Mother, Grand Mother, Aunt, and Great Aunt. She was loved by her family and friends and will be deeply missed.