Joyce A. Bowers, 84 of Ashland passed away late Thursday evening, July 18, 2024 at the Arthur G. James Cancer Center in Columbus under the care of Hospice of Central Ohio.She was born on August 3, 1939 in Ashland the daughter of the late, Floyd J. and Frances K. (nee Hastings) Streit. Joyce grew up in Polk Ohio, and graduated from Polk High School, Class of 1957.
She furthered her education and graduated with a degree in nursing from Aultman Hospital in 1960. She married the love of her life, Nevin Bowers on September 2, 1961. They would call Ashland their home. Joyce’s nursing career spanned over 39 years. She worked for Dr. Jack Irvine, as his first nurse. She continued her career at Samaritan Hospital. Joyce completed her career as an Occupational Health Nurse for the National Latex Company.
After her and Nevin’s retirement, they spent many winters in Ridgewood Lakes, Florida where they built a second home and in Estero, Florida. Throughout her life, she was a loving wife and mother to her two sons. She enjoyed spending summer vacations on Houghton Lake in Michigan and “The Shack ” along the Allegheny River. Aside from vacation, she loved to play both Euchre and Canasta. She was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church where she was on Altar Guild. Joyce was chairman of the Registered Nurses Association in Ashland for many years.
She is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Mr.Nevin Bowers of Ashland; two sons, Todd Bowers of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina and Matt (Julie) Bowers of Powell; four grandchildren, Annalise Bowers of Savannah, Georgia, Ellie Bowers of Grandview, Audra Bowers of Mt. Pleasant,South Carolina and JR Bowers of Powell; a sister-in-law, Kathy Streit of Indiana; and many cousins.In addition to her parents, Joyce is preceded in death by her brother, Dennis Streit.
Funeral services celebrating her life will be held on Monday evening, July 22, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. with Reverend Tom Snyder presiding.Family and friends may visit two hours prior to the service from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the church. Interment will be private on Tuesday in the Ashland Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Central Ohio, 2269 Cherry Valley Road, SE, Newark, Ohio 43055 or to First United Methodist Church, 220 Sandusky Street, Ashland, Ohio 44805.For those unable to attend, online condolences may be shared on the funeral home’s website at denbowfh.com.
Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory is handling the arrangements.
Funeral Home: Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home
Website: denbowfh@gmail.com