Laura Edna Reese Bowen passed away, Monday, May 25, 1998, in the Oneida County Hospital in Malad, Idaho of causes incident to age. Laura was born on October 10, 1899, in Malad, Idaho, to Lorenzo Louis Reese and Elva Daniels. She was the fourth and last child born to these parents. She attended schools in the Malad area, and on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation, graduating from Malad High School.
Laura met Clyde Bowen and they were married on December 11, 1919, in Brigham City, Utah. Their marriage was solemnized in the Logan Temple on June 8, 1951. Mr. Bowen preceded her in death on June 2, 1997.
Clyde and Laura spent their early years in Malad, Idaho, where all of their nine children were born. She spent most of her time raising her children and helping her husband on the ranch. Laura was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints holding many callings. She taught Sunday School, was a primary teacher and counselor, worked as a counselor in the Mutual Improvement Association with the young people, and was a teacher in the Relief Society and also served as a visiting teacher until just recently.
In 1956 Clyde and Laura moved to Provo, Utah. Laura worked in the school lunch program there. She joined the Daughters of Utah Pioneers in Provo and was an active member even after their move back to Malad in 1969.
A great love of Laura’s was the American War Mothers and she became a member in 1945. She has served in several positions in that organization and a highlight was in 1977 when she served as the Idaho State President of the organization for two years. She hardly ever missed a War Mothers’ meeting and was very faithful to the organization.
Her survivors include her children: La Var (Ruth) Bowen of Malad, Idaho; Robert (Ruth) Bowen of Bountiful, Utah; Helen Harris of Boise, Idaho; Ren Ray (Marcedis) Bowen of Malad, Idaho; Kathalee (D.G.) Nelson of Bountiful, Utah; and George (Diane) Bowen of Eden, Utah. She has 35 grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Clyde; three children, Annie Woozley, Thayne Bowen, and John Bowen; two grandchild; and three great-grandchildren.
A viewing was held at the Benson-Horsley Funeral Home Wednesday evening, May 27 and Thursday morning, May 28 at 11:a.m., an hour prior to the services. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon in the Malad 2nd, 4th, and 5th Ward building at 20 South 100 West in Malad, Idaho. Burial will be in the Malad City Cemetery.
