Dolly Mae Bowen

Dolly Bowen, 81, passed away at Kokomo Healthcare in Kokomo, IN on December 12, 2025 at 10:40am. Dolly was affectionately known to everyone as Nana. She was born on June 29, 1944 to Mary Eversole. She was married to James Buttree from 1959-1973. In 1974, she married Charles (Charlie) Bowen, Jr., and they were married until Charle’s death in 2020

Dolly worked in the medical field most of her life. Even though she retired as a Nursing Home Administrator, her real passion was serving the Lord. Dolly completed the Pastoral Care program at Lutheran Hospital where she continued to provide pastoral services as well as chaplain services with several Hospice programs. Dolly and Charlie started a Clown Ministry in the 1970’s and shared the Gospel of Christ to the young and old for many years. Dolly never met a stranger and prayed for everyone. Dolly’s grandchildren loved their Nana deeply and joked that her prayers worked fast—occasionally faster than their stomachs could manage.

Dolly is survived by her children Jamie Gibbs, Barbara (Claude) Gibbs, Elizabeth (Eric) Molloy, Lisa Lambrecht, Josie Bowen and Daughter in Law Pam Bowen. Grandchildren Perry (Jeremy) Gibbs, Heidi (Brandy) Gibbs, Leigh (Jake) Gibbs, Collin (Amanda) Gibbs, Layton (Haley) Gibbs, Patrick Molloy, Matthew Rasmus, Justin (Sydney) Lambrecht, Devin (Codi) Lambrecht, Levi (Olivia) Lambrecht, Heather (Andrew) Watkins, Rachel Bowen, Charles Bowen III, Chevy Bowen, Leeonaa Bowen, Dakota (Michaela) Barnes, Tristan Barnes,, Cherokee (JT) Barnes, Sierra (Austin) Barnes and a slew of great-grandchildren.

Dolly was proceeded in death by her husband, Charlie Bowen, her mother Mary Bowen, her step-father James Craig, sisters Sue Hamrick and Peggy Rose, brother Jerry Craig, sons in law Perry Gibbs and James Lambrecht and granddaughter Toni Gibbs.

A celebration of her life will be held at a later, warmer date—Dolly would have refused to attend otherwise.