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Beulah Ann Ashcroft "Bobbie" Bowdoin

Beulah Bowdoin Obituary

Bowdoin, Beulah "Bobbie" Ann Ashcroft
Bobbie (Bee), 77, of Ahwatukee, passed away July 4, 2009, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born June 7, 1932 in Eagar, Arizona to parents Beulah and Wallace Ashcroft. Bobbie was a third generation native of Arizona, and had retired as a 2nd grade teacher for over 33 years, primarily in the Scottsdale School District. She had a wide range of interests, including hiking, piano, active in the LDS church, providing membership support for the Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society, and having "great adventures". She leaves many loving family members, including her husband of 58 years, Dean, daughter and son-in-law Leslie and Mick James, and grandson J.D. James (all of Phoenix). Her wonderful daughter, Deana Lynne, was taken from her in 1978. She was the oldest of 7 children. Other family members include her brothers, LaVerl (Nona) Ashcroft and Ross (Lucille) Ashcroft, all of Eagar Arizona; her sisters are Sharon (Darrow) Richins, Susan (Larry) Martin, and Wallis (Glen) Mayhew. Sharon and Darrow live in Animas, NM; Susie and Larry live in Eagar, and Wally lives in Tokyo, Japan. Her sister-in-law Elaine Ashcroft (Phillip) lives in Mesa. She is preceded in death by her parents and her brother Phil. She has countless friends and relatives who will all miss her joyous spirit, strength of character and selfless manner. Funeral services will be Wednesday, July 8 at 10:00 a.m., preceded by a visitation at 8:30 a.m. All are welcome to the services at LDS Ahwatukee First Ward, 4525 E. Knox Road. Graveside services and burial will be held at the Eagar cemetery, Thursday, July 9, 10:00 a.m. Arrangements by Meldrum Mortuary. The family wishes to express their sincerest appreciation to everyone at the Dobson House (Hospice of the Valley), for ensuring Bobbie's final days were dignified and peaceful.

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Published by The Arizona Republic from Jul. 7 to Jul. 8, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Beulah Bowdoin

Sponsored by Leslie James.

19 Entries

January 9, 2018

Ms. Bowdoin,
It has been 40 yrs that Deana has been gone. I was a friend from way back at Sqwaw Peak Elementary...she was quite the athlete and had a great sense of humor. May u RIP. I hope your family was able to have some peace.

Chris K

June 2, 2013

Mrs. Bowdoin was my 2nd grade teacher at Kiva Elementary in 1986. Of all the teachers I ever had, she was the most special to me. She fostered my talents and I owe her so much.

Shannon Albrand

September 11, 2011

Mrs. Bowdoin was such a very special teacher. She truly made a difference in the lives of so many students. My heart goes out to her family.

Ann Bigus

August 25, 2011

I graduated from Kachina in 1976 and had Mrs. Bowdoin in second grade. Still have my class picture. She was a very nice lady and a good teacher. My sincere condolences to her family.

David Henke

August 25, 2011

Mrs. Bowdoin,

I know you have reunited with your daughter who you lost way too early in life. I was in your class the year of her passing, and I remeber how distraught you were. I was glad to see that closure had happened, although many years had passed by that time. You were one of the most memorable teachers I had, and I thank you for your hard work. May God bless you and your family.

1966 2nd grade student

August 25, 2011

God bless you Mrs. Bowdoin! You made such a difference in my life.

Nicki Peters Nelson

August 25, 2011

Mrs. Bowdin was my first teacher I had after arriving in Phoenix in 1963 when I was seven years old. She was kind and made me feel safe in a new place. I will always remember her kind nature.
My sincere condolences go out to all of her family.

Thomas Schmidt

October 10, 2010

Mrs. Bowdoin was my 2nd grade teacher at Kachina Elementary in 1974. It is from her that I learned to love American history and became a scholar.

Laurie Gardner

August 12, 2009

I loved my aunt and I know she loved me. We shared the same birthday as she always made sure I was remembered. I regret not spending more time with her when I had the chance. I thought she would be here forever and I guess in a way she is. She was a lot of fun. She really loved Uncle Dean, always speaking of the good and never let a conversation go by that she didn't bring up Leslie, Mick or J.D. There was always a joke to be told or a story to chuckle at. I'm grateful to her and so thankful to be a part of her family.

Bonnie Marcus

July 28, 2009

Dear Dean, Leslie and family,

I, too, have just learned of Bobbie's passing and extend my heartfelt sympathies to you all. It's been a long haul for everyone over the past very long 30+ years. Bobbie now is at peace and lovingly reunited with her dear daughter, Deana. I have fond memories of hanging out with my best friend at the Bowdoin house some 40 years ago. Bobbie always was warm and welcoming and ready for a good laugh.

May you find comfort in fond memories and in the love and support of family and friends in the days and weeks ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

God bless...

Barbara Cornell

July 27, 2009

Leslie and Mr. Bowdoin
I have just learned from a friend of the death of Mrs. Bowdoin. My husband and I extend our deepest sympathy.

I worked with your Deana at American Continental and met Mrs. Bowdoin at company affairs and at Deana's funeral. I remember she was a lovely lady even with a broken heart. I was so thankful when I read that after 30 yrs the family was finally able to close the chapter of Deana's death. I wanted to call Mrs. Bowdoin at that time but regret that I never got around to it.

Again, our deepest sympathy in your loss. Hopefully your faith in God will see you through this difficult time.

John Vassel

July 11, 2009

Dean, Leslie, Mick and J.D. We were shocked to hear of Bobbie's passing. We were on Vacation in Colorado, Wyoming, and South Dakota. Just got home and had the very sad news on our answering machine. Bobbie, was quite a woman! Always kind and very hospitable to us whenver we visited either in Eagar or in Phoenix. Bobbie was a very smart and wise woman who never shyed from duties or helping out, or at times even speaking out. What a giant hole will be left in all of our lives now that she is gone. I know the family will miss her most. Please find comfort in knowing that Bobbie was truly one of God's special people that He allowed us to know for a season.
I will continue to keep your whole family in prayer. Our sincere sympathy goes out to all your family. May God Bless you and comfort you during this time of grief. John and Chris Vassel

Brenda Hurd

July 10, 2009

Every Sunday I looked forward to seeing Bobbie at church. I enjoyed talking to her. She was a good listner and helped me many times. I enjoyed her lesson in Relief Society. She was a natural and gifted instructor. I will miss her.

Melissa Thatcher

July 10, 2009

Bobbie will be missed indeed. She taught me so much in the little time I got to know her as my Visiting Teaching partner. I'm so grateful for her example. I will remember her always.

Brad Warren

July 9, 2009

Leslie, Mick, and JD; On behalf of the Western Area Power Administration I would like to express our sincere sympathy to you and your family in this time of great loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Robert Ashcroft

July 8, 2009

She will be missed by all of the family. She was always there, giving her support to the Ashcroft family, in many ways. I appreciate the opportunity of having known her.

George Caan

July 8, 2009

The entire staff of the Colorado River Commission of Nevada wishes to extend their sympathy and condolences to Leslie and her family on the loss of her mother.

Marsha Ray

July 7, 2009

Bobbie was my second grade teacher just after she graduated from college. She was wonderful! A natural! I am so glad to have known her.

Leslie James

July 7, 2009

The family wishes to especially thank the staff of Hospice of the Valley, Dobson House, and Dr. Sally, for their wonderful care of Bobbie in her last few days.

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