Ann DeBowes

(From Parker Mortuary)

Ann DeBowes, age 65, of Joplin, MO, passed away on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at Mercy Hospital in Joplin.

Ann was born October 11, 1958, in Utica, NY, to the late union of Irvin and Rose (Levy) Goonin. After high school, she attended Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, where she obtained her bachelors degree in Business Administration. She was an extremely hard-working woman and mother that balanced going to school, graduating with magna cum laude honors, and raising two children. 

After college, she worked for Mercy Hospital as the human resources nursing coordinator for nearly 10 years before retiring. She married Robert Heffelfinger in 1998 and together they were blessed with 16 years before his passing on April 1, 2014. 

Ann enjoyed playing the flute through grade school and while in boot camp tried out for the United States Marine Corp Band. She also enjoyed figure skating earlier in life. Ann most of all though, loved spending time with her family. Together they enjoyed traveling on vacations. 

One summer, Ann had won a free two-week RV vacation and there were many fun adventures they took as they visited and laughed traveling through different states. She was extremely proud of her two sons and the men they have become. She loved spoiling her two grandbabies. Ann will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Ann is survived by her two sons, Guy DeBowes, of Memphis, TN, and Michael Branton, of Joplin; two grandchildren, Elizabeth and Grayson Branton; one sister, Paula Renaud and husband, Laurent; one niece, Madison Leahy; and one nephew, Jack Leahy.

Cremation arrangements are under the special care of Parker Mortuary.