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James Madison University

Peggy Bowman Obituary

Bowman, Peggy passed away Thursday, July 7, 2016, of heart failure. Her condition was undoubtedly aggravated by the catastrophe known as Sam Brownback and Kris Kobach. Peggy was born April 9, 1941, to Lena Early and John DeWitt Bowman. She grew up on a farm with her two sisters, Brenda (Tom Smith) and Beverly (Duane Lawson), and brother George Grattan (JoAnn Bowman). A graduate of James Madison University, Peggy started her life in a traditional role as a biology teacher (Annandale HS), wife, and mother. A beloved teacher and class sponsor, her students kept in touch with her over the years. Midway through life, she evolved into a fierce advocate for women's rights. After a move to Wichita, Peggy worked at Vista. On a whim, she applied with Planned Parenthood and the rest is history. After working her way up to Executive Director of PP, she became the lobbyist for Dr. George Tiller. Peggy was the face of abortion rights in Wichita. During the 1991 Summer of Mercy, Peggy was on the front line. She endured the anti's threats and protests on her lawn. Peggy lobbied in Topeka, led rallies, handled reporters, and worked the fair-anything to get the word out that women matter. After her retirement from Dr. Tiller's clinic, she was honored with the naming of the Peggy Bowman Second Chance Fund, a non-profit that makes abortion accessible to women who could not otherwise afford it. In May, she was inducted into the the Greater Kansas City Women's Political Caucus Hall of Fame. A woman of many talents, Peggy chronicled the extremism and violence of the 1991 siege on the clinic in her book Fetus Fanatics. She also contributed to Radiating the Stone, an anthology of essays from Wichita's greatest feminists. Above all, Peggy loved her children, Brian and Jeff and his wife, Jan, her grandchildren, Cady, Allie, Savannah, and Ethan, Barefoot wine, liberal politics, good food, friends, all things sports (especially tennis), and MSNBC. Our biggest regret is that she won't witness the inauguration of our first female president. Long ago, Peggy wrote her wishes that she wanted to be cremated without a service. She didn't want her family to hide that she was a lesbian. Luckily the world has changed since she wrote those notes. Gay marriage is the law of the land. We have a long way to go, but Peggy was right: there is no shame in being LGBT! To honor Peggy, we ask that you donate to the Peggy Bowman Second Chance Fund at www.secondchancefund.net. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Summer of Mercy and the anti's will be back in force. Fight back with unprecedented donations to the fund.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Wichita Eagle on Jul. 10, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Peggy Bowman

45 Entries

Jenifer Brandeberry

July 4, 2025

Professional mentor who altered my career and my heart and soul. Peggy loved laughed and lived big. I share her impact on me more often these days to younger women in my firm. Peggy I miss you and thank you for teaching me!

Laura King

July 4, 2019

May Peggys memory continue to be a blessing.

Brian

July 7, 2017

It's been a year now and there has been so many times I wanted to call and talk or come over and chat. I have missed our Saturday afternoons together. I love you mom.

July 20, 2016

Dictionaries and encyclopedias often have photos to accompany entries. If you look up these words and phrases you'll see a photo of Peggy Bowman - or at least you should -- courageous, compassionate, tenacious, boundless energy, tireless fighter for women's rights, teacher, loving mother and so many more that each of you could add.

I too am saddened that she won't be here to celebrate the election of our first woman president. We know though that you'll be here in spirit, Peggy and we'll raise our glasses in toast to you and Hilary Clinton. That day is coming far later than it should have, but know that it's coming in part because of the work that you did on behalf of all of us. Rest in peace, you deserve it.

Kristi Oberg

July 14, 2016

Peggy, was a Hero for all. A courageous leader and tireless advocate for abortion services, family planning, women's rights and so much more! I will always remember her kindness to me during the Summer of Mercy and her steadfast determination to keep the clinic open! Love and light to her family during this difficult time.

JoAn Armentrout

July 12, 2016

Peggy was an inspiration, and always a teacher. I learned so much from her. Her friendship, wisdom, and sense of humor I cherish. JoAn Armentrout

July 12, 2016

I weep to learn of Peggy's death. It was an honor and privilege to know her. Kansas women are fortunate to have had such a formidable leader. Let us take up her banner and carry on her great work.
Jeri
Lawrence

Deb L

July 12, 2016

I have been privileged to know Peggy for 25+ years. I was with her in the PCAL, Summer of Mercy and following years defending Dr. Tiller's clinic, the Central clinic and women's rights, we were Turbo Escorts! She was a true inspiration and a force to be reckoned with, never failing in her fight to help women. Rest in peace, you champion!

former Dir. of Education for PPK

Marian Shapiro

July 12, 2016

I met Peggy when Planned Parenthood opened a clinic in Hays Kansas. Peggy became the Executive Director and was absolutely loved because of her democratic leadership style. She wanted everyone to be heard and to have input. She was the opposite of a dictator, which we'd had before her term. She was wonderful for staff morale. Later when she became Dr. Tiller's lobbyist, Peggy trained the rest of us on how to lobby and get our causes represented. She was the BEST! Legislators and lobbyists knew that the one who knew the most and was the best spokesperson was Peggy Jarman. We all looked up to her and appreciated her intelligence, efficiency, and kindness. She was a leader who was always thinking of what is good for people and she made a real difference in people's lives. I'm so happy that Peggy was my boss and my friend for many many years!

Barb Keeter

July 11, 2016

An inspiration to all!

July 11, 2016

Thank You Peggy for all you did for women! Rest in Peace!

Heather Allard

July 11, 2016

Such an amazing women. I knew she was special the moment I began to care for her. Knowing her legacy now, I know her only regret was not being able to do more in this life.

Sandy Williams

July 11, 2016

What a inspiration you have been to so many! Wish I could have known you. Being the mother of a Beautiful gay daughter, I want to say Thank you so very much for ALL that you've done!! We need more people like you. Rest in peace Amazing Lady!

Elizabeth Rowe

July 11, 2016

Thank you Peggy for all you did. You really put most of the rest of us to shame with the sheer amount of work you put into the fight for reproductive freedom here in Kansas. It will always be remembered.

angela leiker

July 11, 2016

Peggy was an intelligent, spunky lady. Although our time was brief, she was a joy.

Sam Shublom

July 11, 2016

I did not know Peggy, but really wish I had. My condolences to her family.

Barb

July 11, 2016

Peggy was an amazing woman. I was honored to meet her during the early 90's while involved in clinic support. Condolences to her family, her legacy will be felt for years to come.

Chris Hoppman

July 11, 2016

I did not know Peggy but I wish I had. That was such a great obituary. Rest in Peace.

Chelle

July 11, 2016

Inspirational - wish I could have known her...

Jennifer

July 11, 2016

I didn't know Peggy, but what an amazing woman!

Jeff Kemp

July 10, 2016

My high school biology teacher (Mrs. Jarman). Best teacher ever!

Jenifer Brandeberry

July 10, 2016

Peggy changed my life. She was my mentor and heroine. I was truly blessed to have been able to work and learn from her. Her laugh smile sense of humor and boundless enthusiasm for life will be missed but never forgotten.

July 10, 2016

Peggy was an amazing woman. I was proud to be her friend. She will be sorely missed and never forgotten.

July 10, 2016

I did not know Peggy, but God Bless Her! That was a great obituary!

C Purcell

July 10, 2016

Mrs J was so supportive of us when she was our class sponsor at AHS. Rest in peace.

Jolene Grabill

July 10, 2016

Jeff and Brian, my heart goes out to you. I am so incredibly sad to hear of Peggy's death. She was one of the bravest women I've ever known. I was honored to call her my friend, blessed to know the healing power of her laughter, and strengthened by her courageous example even in the face of unprecedented hate. Many of us worked hard to promote the cause of women's rights, by Peggy made a profound difference.

Cathy

July 10, 2016

May she always be an inspiration to the rest of us. A life well lived. Condolences to family and friends,

Nicki Scheid

July 10, 2016

Peggy was a fierce woman - and I mean that in the best possible way ever! She was always fighting for something or someone. She will be missed.

Janet Roberts

July 10, 2016

I took two of my children to a sex education class at PLanned Parenthood many years ago - when they were young teens. Peggy was the facilitator and did a great job. I have always felt tremendous gratitude toward her and planned parenthood. I am sorry to hear of her passing.

Fran Belden

July 10, 2016

Since first reporting to her in 1985 at PPKS, Peggy was a supervisor, co-worker, leader in courage and determination , and loving friend. Her book, written after the ridiculous summer of '91, was a special keepsake for all of us who were so deeply involved. I feel incredibly enriched for having Peggy as my friend. Rest in peace, Peggy.

Laura M. King

July 10, 2016

I met Peggy In 1991. I knew her to be strong and compassionate. I learned from her. I hope the happy memories will soon replace the sad and wrap around Peggy's family and friends in comfort.

Marguerite Reed

July 10, 2016

Oh, Peggy. Words fail me. The people of Kansas were so lucky to have you.

Teresa Mapes

July 10, 2016

I didn't have the privilege of knowing Peggy but can tell she was a woman with a lot of courage. My condolences to her family.

July 10, 2016

she was a special person and a Lady in every sense of the word. This world is a better place because of her

Niki Christopher

July 10, 2016

I did not know Peggy but after reading her obituary, I wish I had. Bless her heart: a life well-spent doing something she believed in. As Molly Ivins would say, Good on her!

Madeline McCullough

July 10, 2016

Now THAT'S an obituary! How wonderful. I'm inspired by Peggy Jarman Bowman's commitment to women's issues. Life is better in Kansas for everyone because of her willingness to stand up, speak out and lead the way toward equality for all.

Jim & Eldon Tuttle-Wildman

July 10, 2016

A powerhouse of a woman, whom we need now more than ever. She will be missed.

Willow Eby-Fischer

July 10, 2016

A delightful woman I had the pleasure/honor of joining in the fight for reproductive rights. A real fighter and inspiration not to mention just plain fun to be around.

Cindy Defender

July 10, 2016

Such a courageous woman! My heart is saddened to hear of her death. Had met Peggy a few times and also there in 1991 with my aunt. I was the one with the bullhorn. Supporting choice and sending a donation your way!

Patricia Dooley

July 10, 2016

This is a wonderful, touching, inspired, and sad obituary. It captures the spirit of this tremendous woman.

Jeff and family, I hope you are okay.

Beverly Bruce

July 10, 2016

Loved your mom, Brian. The picture is great. What a remarkable woman. I'll never forget how kind she always was to me and how she made me feel special. God Bless and may she rest in peace.

Gail Fisher

July 10, 2016

God bless this woman and all she did for the welfare of women in her life. My sincere condolences to her family.

Mila Means

July 10, 2016

Your contributions to women will be remembered.

Jill Cook

July 10, 2016

I feel so very fortunate to have had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know Peggy these last few years. She was an incredible woman. The first line of her obituary sounds so much like her
I can almost hear her say it along with the ornery laugh that was sure to follow. She was the toughest lady I have ever known, fighting through severe pain every day. Thank you for you fight for all women's rights. You were a true pioneer.

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