Melinda Bowers Obituary

Melinda Lee Bowers, 71, of Rockford, passed away Monday, September 30, 2024 at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, IL. Born June 3, 1953, in Rockford, the daughter of Howard E. and Betty Joan (Neumeister) Hillman. Graduate of East High School class of 1971. She graduated from cosmetology school in 1989 and did hair for years from her home.
Melinda loved horses and thoroughly enjoyed her "special girl" Jewels. She loved to ride, spend time at the barn, and teach her grandkids how to ride and take care of her. She also loved to be outside working in her gardens at home, always taking true pride in her lawn and garden beds. Later in life, she enjoyed working alongside her son, grandsons, and her sister, brother, and brother-in-law to plant, weed, pick, and can all the fruits of the garden at the Sarver Farm. Melinda was an avid reader, making weekly trips to the library, and loved to watch Hallmark Channel Christmas movies no matter the time of year.
She is survived by her children, Matthew (Sara) Bowers and Shannon (Mark) Henzel; grandchildren Kayla, Jenna, Matthew Jr., and Elijah Bowers, and Tyler Henzel; great-grandson Jordan Whitaker; brother, Tyler Hillman (Lynn Zippilli), and brother-in-law, Charlie Sarver; and many loving friends, including special friends Theresa Kemp and Linda Nowolaski. Predeceased by her parents Howard Hillman and Joanie Bowers, sister Margy Sarver, and stepdad Bob Bowers. The family wishes to thank Dr. Linda Razbadouski of U-W Health System, and Dr. Manuel Rojo and all the surgical and nursing staff at the cardiovascular ICU at Loyola University for their wonderful and compassionate care of Melinda.
A funeral Mass will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 12, 2024, at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 412 N Church St, Rockford, IL 61103, with the Very Reverend Thomas P. Rosa officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, October 11, 2024, at Fred C. Olson Funeral Home North Main Chapel, 2811 N. Main Street, Rockford, IL 61104. Burial at Arlington Memorial Park at a later date. Memorials to Office of Philanthropy, Shriners Children's Hospital Chicago, 2211 N. Oak Park Avenue, Chicago, IL 60707 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105. To share a memory or condolence please visit olsonfh.com
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