Bonnie Jean Anderson

If you’re reading this, then I’m gone (date of death, Dec. 5, 2012), and by the grace of God to a better place free of sickness and pain. The cancer and a bad infection won. Your body can fight one, but not both. Will I miss my family and friends? Oh yeah! You are all a great part of who I am.

I requested no funeral. Just remember the good times. My ashes will be scattered by my family at a later date.

I was born July 30, 1945, in Parkers Prairie, Minn., to Wesley and Verla Schramm Bowman. As one of 11 kids, we always had someone to play with. I used to love going to our grandparents farm. I graduated from Cherry High School in 1964. I was raised in the Lutheran faith.

I met my husband, Richard, in Brainerd, Minn., at the local coffee shop where I worked. We moved to California for a couple of years, but we didn’t care for that kind of lifestyle. So we packed up the car, travel trailer and kids and headed to Alaska — the best decision we ever made. One year, my husband took me hunting instead of the guys and I was hooked ever since, even when our air mattresses were floating in water. I started as a waitress and did that for more than 40 years from Minnesota to California and then Alaska. I also worked in a drapery factory and coat factory.

I loved to knit, crochet and make projects. My passion the last few years was my garden and flower beds. I spent the last few years doing family research. I was so amazed at the size of this great family I was born into.

I leave behind my mom, Verla Bowman of Forbes, Minn.; my husband, Richard of Wasilla; step-son, Guy (Tammy) Anderson of Brainerd, Minn.; daughter, Beckie Spain of Wasilla and four super grandkids, Regina, Janessa, Melissa and Matthew; brothers, Tom (Mary) Bowman of Beaverton, Ore., Danny (Donna) Bowman of Alexandria, Minn., Dick (LaDonna) Bowman of Forbes, Minn., Jack (Debby) Bowman of Gilbert, Minn., and Steve (Meji) Bowman of Sequim, Ore.; sisters, Sue Tiller of Phoenix, Ariz., Sandra Weber (and partner Randy Iverson) of Dayton, Minn., Sheila (Tom) Skarka of Brandon, Minn., Deanna (Greg) Baty of Angora, Minn., and Brenda Bowman of Eveleth, Minn.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

I also leave behind two of the best friends a person could have, Suzi Bock and Marlene McNabb. I can’t thank you enough for all you have done for me and just by being there when I needed you.

I was preceded in death by my dad, Wesley Bowman; and niece, Krista Callan.

A special thank you and so much love and appreciation to my husband for all he has done to make my passing easier. Thank you to my daughter and granddaughter for all their help. I know this has not been easy for them. A huge thank you to Mat-Su Regional Medical Center, all the physicians and nursing staff for the great care I was given.

So I leave you now. Don’t weep for me. Spend every day of life to its fullest. Until I see you again, I love you all so much!

Memorial denotations may be sent to Richard Anderson, P.O. Box 877827, Wasilla, AK 99687.

Arrangements were cared for by Valley Funeral Home.