Elma Jean Bowers Deffenbaugh

Elma Jean Bowers Deffenbaugh

Midland, TX

Elma Jean Bowers Deffenbaugh, 90, of Midland, TX, was ushered into eternity to be with her Lord Jesus on October 4, 2014. Her steadfast faith in God's best enabled her to persevere in the last difficult years of aging. Words to describe this marvelous woman include quiet yet deep believer in Christ, perfect wife, tremendous mother and mother-in-law, creative and ultra fun grandma, devoted to friends, hilariously funny wit, avid stitcher, golf devotee, sports fan deluxe, fantastic cook, deeply loved others, and deeply loved BY others.

Jean was born to Charles Arthur Bowers and Elva Grace Squyres Bowers on December 30, 1923, in Exodus, Nebraska. She was raised in Lincoln, NE, graduating from Lincoln High and then from the Univ of Nebraska with a BS in Physical Education. She was a member of Alpha Xi Delta Sorority there, and a lifelong Cornhusker fan. She worked at Kansas Univ and taught kindergarten and PE in elementary school. In 1947 she married high school sweetheart Jim Deffenbaugh after he returned from serving in WWII. After graduation from U of Neb, Jim worked for Conoco Oil for 30 yrs, Adobe Oil Corp in Midland until retirement in 1986. They had three sons: Charles, George, and Steve, and were married 59 yrs until his death in 2006.

Jean worked at Lee High School as a librarian until 1978 where she also volunteered as Rebelette sponsor. The Lee Rebels were a beloved mainstay throughout her life. She loved volunteering, serving at St. Luke's UMC, Midland Cerebral Palsy Center, Midland County Public Library, PEO Sisterhood (Philanthropic Educational Organization), and the Women's Auxilliary at Midland Memorial Hosp.

Besides volunteer work Jean was an avid golfer and lifetime member of Ranchland Hills Women's Golf Asso. She and Jim loved going on golf junkets with friends as well as traveling. Although she was reserved by nature, she loved being in the middle of the people and activities she cherished. She stitched exquisite pieces, including 20 stunning Christmas stockings for her family. And, oh, how she loved her family, especially grandkids and great grandkids.

After suffering a debilitating stroke 10 years ago, Jean's truest grit and character shone through as she surpassed the odds for survival and flourished in the midst of her greatest trials. With an indomitable spirit for living, Jean was always progressing forward. Her unbridled optimism kept her from giving up at absolutely anything she wanted to achieve. She was an inspiration and model of pressing on for her family and friends, and her constant goal was to have fun doing it!

Jean was predeceased by her parents, her husband Jim, their infant son Charles Lambert, brother and sister-in-law Jake and Jean Bowers, sister and brother-in-law Gretchen and Tad Tucker, brother-in-law Jack Deffenbaugh.

She is survived by son George Deffenbaugh and wife Pam of Abilene; son Steve Deffenbaugh and wife Tish of Midland; brother Bob Bowers and wife Gloria of Lincoln, NE; sister-in-law Arlene Deffenbaugh of Lincoln, NE; grandson Marc and Emily Deffenbaugh of Abilene and their children Hannah, Madyson and Jake; grandson Dave and Bridget Deffenbaugh of Houston and their children Allison and Alex; granddaughter Marcie Deffenbaugh of Houston;

After a private graveside burial, a memorial service will be held at 3 pm at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, with Rev. Kathryn Boren officiating.

Honorary pallbearers include grandchildren Marc, Dave, and Marcie Deffenbaugh, and great-grandchildren Hannah, Madyson, Allison, Jake, and Alex Deffenbaugh. Other honorary pallbearers include, the PEO Sisterhood of Midland; the Keystone Class of St. Luke's UMC; the Stitching Post girls

Memorials may be sent to Midland Cerebral Palsy Center; Midland County Public Library; P.E.O. Sisterhood Chap GD of Midland, (c/o Jan Genter, 3507 Meadowridge Ln, Midland, 79707); St. Luke's UMC (3011 Kansas St., Midland, 79701)

A very special thanks goes to the caregivers who played such a vital role in Jean's life, including Tonie Rodriguez, Janie Caldwell, Veronica Lopez, Maria Simpson, Chayo Valenzuela, Lacie Goodrum, Silhouette, Martha Ramirez, Stephanie, and Veronica Bordayo.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.