Myrtle Bowerman

Myrtle Joyce Olive (Anholt) Bowerman died on September 14, 2022 in Independence, Missouri.

Myrtle was born on March 19, 1930 to Kasper and Anna (Anderson) Anholt in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. They lived in Outlook, Saskatchewan. Born into a large and close Norwegian family, she loved all those traditions and customs. She was christened and baptized in the Lutheran Church and was named for her parents’ sisters named Myrtle.

Myrtle’s early years were spent in Outlook, Torquay, Handel, and Kerrobert, Saskatchewan. They moved to Cadogan, Alberta in 1944 and on to Edmonton, Alberta in 1947. Myrtle was an excellent student in school. She boarded with relatives for her junior year in Camrose, SK, and boarded at a convent for her senior year in Provost, AB. Myrtle was selected Valedictorian for her senior class in 1947. Her dream was to go to nursing school.

In 1938 after her father was converted to the RLDS church, Myrtle was baptized by Kasper in the Saskatchewan River. Church became a vital part of her life, as well as in the family. At a youth camp in 1947 at Sylvan Lake, Alberta, she met the love of her life, David Ward L Bowerman. They had a long distance relationship for a time. Myrtle worked as a dental assistant and then bookkeeper for the Hudson Bay Company. She cared for the family when her mother was ill before and after her sister was born in 1948.
Myrtle and David were married on June 10, 1950, in Edmonton, Alberta. The ceremony was performed by her father, Kasper Anholt, and she was walked down the aisle by her grandfather, Matt Anholt. Myrtle and Dave made their home in Edmonton for a year and a half and their first child, Donald, was born there. They then moved to Pasco, Washington for a time. Their goal was to get to Independence, Missouri, the headquarters of their church. They accomplished that in 1953; Grant, Van, and Patti were born there.

Myrtle was a dedicated supporter of David’s ministry wherever they lived and she was always heavily involved in teaching Sunday School, serving as Women’s Leader, Girls Leader, doing visiting, organizing, etc. She was a gifted artist and loved making flannel and felt boards for children’s classes. Her family and church were her world and she loved it! In 1959, they moved to Omaha/Council Bluffs and their last child, Reg, was born there. In 1966, they were assigned to Kansas City. Myrtle was director of an outreach program for girls in the inner city there and they attended church camp. In 1971, Myrtle had the trip of a lifetime when she went to Norway and Sweden to visit her parents who were living there. She met lots of relatives and visited ancestral homes and churches. When her last child was in school full-time, Myrtle was able to return to school and earned her nursing degree in 1974. Her family was so very proud of her! In 1975, they moved to Tulsa. She worked as a charge nurse at a nursing home and then several years with an orthopedic surgeon. She enjoyed working at a church sponsored First Aid station at area Indian Pow Wows.

1983 found them back in Missouri where they would stay. They spent many happy years in Buckner
‘on the farm’ before their final home in Independence. Myrtle worked many years at the church Lunch Partners program, providing meals for people in need. She worked as a school nurse in Independence before retiring. Her nursing skills were so needed in David’s battle with cancer and she did that with endless love and tenderness. After his death, the house became very lonely and she moved to an Independent Living residence for a few years, before needing long term care.

Myrtle loved to bake and cook and entertain family and friends! She was famous for her rolls, apple pie, Norwegian lefse, among many other dishes. She was never happier than with family and friends all around her. She loved welcoming anyone to her home. She was a skilled gardener and home decorator, with a passion for finding things at garage sales. She loved reading, doing puzzles, and playing games—especially Scrabble. Each grandchild was deeply loved and cherished, and then came more joy with great grandchildren! She remembered everyone’s birthdays and anniversaries and sent cards to so many friends and family through her life.

Myrtle was preceded in death by her parents, Kasper Anholt and Anna (Anderson) Anholt, one brother, Leroy Anholt, and two sisters-in-law, Shirley Anholt and Marlyn Anholt, her husband, David Bowerman, and son, Grant. She is survived by her children Donald (Tina), (Grant) Jane, Van, Patti (Robert) Jobe,
and Reg (Lesa); grandchildren Rae (Dave) Deering, Sarah (Mike) Zung, David (Libby) Bowerman,
Chad (Norah) Bowerman, Leah (Michael) Zanussi, Will (Erica) Jobe, Matthew (Charmaine) Jobe, Shannon (Mark) Lavigne, and Sean Bowerman; great grandchildren Anna and Sam Zung, Kate Bowerman, Henry and Lauren Bowerman, Harrison and Anderson Zanussi, Wesley, Gideon, and Jude Jobe. She is also survived by brothers Kenneth (Marlyn), Raymond (Shirley), Dennis (Gwen) and sister Diana (Barry) Martin, with many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A private graveside service will be held at Lobb Cemetery in Independence, Missouri.

Donations may be made in Myrtle’s honor to Lunch Partners, care of The Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 700 W Lexington, Independence MO 64050.

No flowers, please.

Cards and remembrances may be sent to Patti Jobe, 19315 NS 413 Rd, Delaware OK 74027.