Born: Aug. 29, 1925

Died: Sept. 2, 2012

Flora Jean Bower, 87, of Dowagiac, passed away Sunday, Sept. 2, 2012, at the Timbers of Cass County.

Flora Jean’s life began on Aug. 29, 1925, in Pokagon Township, Dowagiac, the daughter of Everett and Beulah (Hurtle) Emmons. She was a 1943 graduate of Dowagiac Central High School.

Flora Jean was united in marriage to Ray J. Bower on May 19, 1944, in Dowagiac. Together, they owned and operated Motorcycle Sales and Service in Dowagiac, specializing in Indian and BSA motorcycles until Ray passed away on Feb. 17, 1966. Flora Jean, with the help of her sons, then owned and operated Homelite Chain Saw Sales and Service and she worked for Bower Plumbing for many years.

She was a member of the Dowagiac First United Methodist Church.

Her loving family includes her sons: Jack (Diana) Bower, of Dowagiac, Roger (Karen) Bower, of Dowagiac, and Robert (Denise) Bower, of Granger; grandchildren Tanya Bower, Jennifer (Travis) Lennen, Hollie Mott, Eric (Amy) Bower, Christopher (Victoria) Bower, Benjamin Bower and Rebecka Bower; great-grandchildren Adrianna, Garrett and Sawyer Lennen and Alyssa and Jackson Bower; and her sister-in-law Cora Ostrom, of Dowagiac.

Her family will gather with friends Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Yazel & Clark Chapel, where her funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., led by Chaplain Johnny Groda. She will be laid to rest in Mission Hills Cemetery in Niles.

Memorial contributions in her name may be directed to the Timbers of Cass County Activity Fund. Please sign her guestbook and leave a memory of Flora Jean at www.yazel-clark.com.