Shirley Ann Bowman

Shirley Ann Bowman, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great‑grandmother, passed away on July 4, 2026, in Salem, Oregon. She was born on July 24, 1939, in Crowder, Oklahoma, to Raymond and Syble Weiher. Shirley grew up alongside her siblings—brothers Wayne and Carol Lee—and is survived by her younger sister, Caryon. Shortly after World War II, the Weiher family moved to Oregon, where Shirley would build a beautiful life rooted in family, compassion, and creativity.

Shirley graduated from McMinnville High School in 1957 and later married the love of her life, Edgar “Eddie” Bowman, on July 7, 1961. Together they raised two sons, Terry (wife Amy) and Tim (wife Cindy), and welcomed Tim’s friend, Jeff Jones (wife Samantha) into their home for their last two years of high school. Shirley and Eddie always considered Jeff another son. Their home was always open, welcoming, and filled with love.

Shirley and Eddie played an important role in the lives of their grandchildren, raising grandsons Corey (wife Ashley) and Eric (wife Roni), and later helping to raise their great‑grandson, Taylor. Over the years, the Bowman family grew to include 13 grandchildren and countless great‑grandchildren, each one held dearly in Shirley’s heart.

For more than 25 years, Shirley ran an in‑home daycare, caring for countless children with the same devotion and gentleness she gave her own family. Her home was a safe haven filled with laughter, learning, and the steady presence of someone who truly loved nurturing little ones.

Shirley had a deep and abiding faith in Jesus, which she openly shared with her family. She lived out her beliefs through everyday acts of kindness, integrity, and compassion, consistently reflecting Christ’s love in the way she treated others. Her commitment to her faith was evident not just in her words but in her actions. She faithfully attended The People’s Church in Salem, Oregon for many years, finding strength, purpose, and community in her walk with Jesus.

Shirley’s hands were rarely still. She enjoyed sewing and crocheting, creating treasured pieces for those she loved. From handmade baby blankets for her grandchildren and great‑grandchildren, to sparkling ice‑skating outfits for her great‑niece Saije, elegant prom dresses for her granddaughters, and festive Christmas dresses for the great‑grands—Shirley’s creations were stitched with love and given with joy.

Above all else, Shirley devoted her life to her family. She was a steadfast partner to Eddie, a caring mother, and a deeply involved grandmother. Her legacy is one of warmth, generosity, and unwavering love.

Shirley will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her dedication to the children she cared for, her beautiful handmade creations, and the deep love she poured into her family. She leaves behind a lifetime of memories that will continue to be cherished by all who knew her.

Family is planning an inurnment ceremony at Restlawn Memorial Gardens on Monday, August 24, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. with an informal reception at Walery’s Pizza following the ceremony.