Rena Gail Bowser

1954 - 2025

Rena Gail Bowser, age 70, of Evening Shade, Arkansas died Monday, Feb. 3, 2025 surrounded by her loving family at the White River Health in Batesville, Arkansas. She was born on Thursday, Dec. 1, 1954, to Eddie and Mary Margaret Kent Farris in Wichita, Kansas.

For over 60 years, Rena was a devoted member of the Evening Shade First Baptist Church where faith was the guiding light that shone through every aspect of her life.

On Sunday, Dec. 26, 1972, Rena married the love of her life, Rodney. Together, they built a life full of love, commitment, and support. Over the years, they welcomed three children into their home, who were the center of Rena's world. She adored her role as a mother and later as a grandmother. The love and wisdom she shared with her family will be cherished for generations to come.

Rena was a woman of many talents and passions. She had a gift for creating beautiful things with her hands, be it through sewing, quilting, cross-stitching, or knitting. Her creations were not only objects of artistry but also tokens of love that she often shared with her loved ones. Her garden and flower beds were a testament to her nurturing spirit, and the vibrant colors that bloomed were a reflection of her own joyous personality. She was an avid reader, finding solace in the pages of books, which allowed her to explore new worlds and ideas.

In the kitchen, Rena was a great cook. Her biscuits and gravy, her banana pudding, lemon freezer pie, and blackberry cobblers were cherished by all who had the privilege of savoring them. Her love for cooking was a way to bring her family and friends together, creating warm and cherished memories around the dining table.

In 1986, Rena embarked on a remarkable 30-year career with the United States Postal Service. Her dedication and work ethic shone through, leading her to serve as the Evening Shade Postmaster on three different occasions during her career. She was a respected and beloved figure in the community, known for her diligence and commitment to her work.

Above all, Rena cherished the moments spent with her husband, children, and grandchildren. Her love and support were unwavering, and her family was the source of her greatest joy. Rena was not only a loving wife and mother but also a devoted grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. Her warm smile, kind heart, and endless love left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her.

As we say our goodbyes, we remember Rena with a deep sense of gratitude for the warmth and love she shared with us all. Her memory will live on in our hearts, and her legacy will continue to inspire us to live our lives with faith, love, and kindness. Rena will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Eddie and Mary Farris and her sister, Shirley Ann Farris.

Rena is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Rodney Bowser of Evening Shade, Arkansas; her two sons and daughter-in-law, Brian and Stacey Bowser of Mena, Arkansas and Donnie Bowser of Evening Shade, Arkansas; her daughter, Robin Rider of Cave City, Arkansas; her brother, Tony Farris of Evening Shade, Arkansas; five grandchildren, Luke and Mallary Bowser of Beebe, Arkansas, Ashten Bowser of Mena, Arkansas, Matthew Bowser and Kaylyn Phillips of Mena, Arkansas, Haven Mansfield of Cave City, Arkansas and Clayton and Olivia Rider of Cave City, Arkansas; four great-grandchildren, Aleighna Bowser, Bellamy Rider and Kaycen Bowser all of Cave City, Arkansas and Evie Marie Bowser of Beebe, Arkansas; her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Christine and Steven Wheaton of Jasper, New York; one nephew and his wife, Steve and Holly Wheaton of Jasper, New York; several very close cousins and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. at the First Baptist Church in Evening Shade with Brother Ken Vonk and Brother Rick Hassell officiating. Interment will follow in the Evening Shade Cemetery under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas. Visitation will be Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, from 10:00 A.M. til 2:00 P.M. at the Evening Shade First Baptist Church with arrangements entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena.

Pallbearers will be Luke Bowser, Matthew Bowser, Clayton Rider, Steve Wheaton, Jacob Farris, Josh Farris and Shannon Milligan.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Evening Shade First Baptist Church, 196 West Main Street, Evening Shade, Arkansas.

Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh.com