Bonnie Bowles

(From Greenlawn Funeral Home)

Bonnie Lee Bowles, age 98, of Springfield, passed peacefully away on October 23, 2023, at Woodland Manor. Bonnie was born to Victor and Mildred (Largent) Pickering on March 28, 1925, in Jasper, Missouri. 

Bonnie was raised by her parents in Dade County, Missouri, where she also attended school. In the 1940s, Bonnie was united in marriage to Harvey Bowles. The couple was blessed with three loving children, Harold, Larry, and Sharon.

Bonnie spent many years working as a waitress in support of her family. For more than twenty years, Bonnie was a favorite among customers at the Stockyards Café in Springfield. Bonnie was known for serving delicious meals with a beautiful smile, a friendly personality, and a charming sense of humor. 

When not working or attending to the needs of her family, Bonnie enjoyed several hobbies and interests including sewing, quilting, and cooking. Bonnie was famous for her made-from-scratch cakes and pies; most notably her red velvet cakes and coconut cream pies. She loved to show her appreciation to others by giving them freshly baked treats. Bonnie was most appreciative of her caregivers who provided her with unconditional love and support. In addition to being a talented baker, Bonnie was also a tremendous cook. She took great pride in preparing big meals for her family. Bonnie believed that special memories were truly made around her table.

Bonnie will be remembered as a loving mother and grandmother who had a special gift for making people laugh. She was a fun-loving and playful character who always liked to share her wit, wisdom, and sense of humor. Bonnie was a country music fan who was particularly fond of Willie Nelson. She also liked soft instrumental music, completing puzzles, watching the Hallmark Channel, and growing a variety of flowers including lilacs and peonies.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, Victor and Mildred Pickering; ex-husband, Harvey Bowles; brothers, Howard Pickering, Harold “Jack” Pickering, Stanley Pickering, Glenn Pickering, and Dean Pickering; and sisters, Betty Hill, Naomi Waddle, and Peggy Back. 

She is survived by her children, Harold Bowles, Larry Bowles, and Sharon Trekell and her husband, Leonard; grandchildren, Misty Shirley and her husband, Jay, Sarah Trekell, and James Trekell and his wife, Christina; and great-grandchildren, Jabez Trekell, Kayana Trekell, Ryder Trekell, and Reid Shirley.

A visitation for Bonnie Bowles will be held on Friday, October 27, 2023, from 11:00-12:00 pm, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North in Springfield. A graveside service will be held at noon in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens with David Weston officiating. There will be a formal procession from the funeral home to the cemetery.