Ernestine L. "Ernie" Bowden

Ernestine L. Bowden bravely fought lung cancer over the past year and a half ending her battle on Monday, March 24, 2014, at 3:30 am in Poway, CA.
Ernie was born on May 30, 1930, to Archie Findley and Millie (Robbins) Findley in Allendale, Worth County, Missouri. She attended the small one-room Dry School and attended high school in Grant City, Missouri where, in her senior year (1947-1948), she was captain of the Volleyball team, cheerleader, and Homecoming Queen.
In 1949, she married Hale O. Hass in Grant City where they lived and farmed for seven years. They started their family during this time being blessed with a daughter and two sons. Leaving the farm, Kansas City, Missouri became their new home and where they raised their family. In 1969, they separated ways and in 1976, Ernie found a new start in the Los Angeles area. By the early 1980's she had moved to Orange County. In 1987, she married Daniel T. Bowden and they relocated to San Diego in 1989.
Antiquing and playing Mahjong with her friends were some of Ernie's passions; she was also an avid quilter and developed many beloved friendships with her quilting friends. Ernie was a proud member of the Rincon del Diablo Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Ernie was preceded in death by her parents, Archie and Millie Findley; and her husbands, Hale O. Hass and Daniel T. Bowden. She is survived by her three children, Sherri Lewis of Rancho Bernardo, Ron Hass and wife Cathy (nee Welch) of Parkville, Missouri, Rick Hass and wife Karen (nee Hawkins) of Parkville; three grandchildren, Tina Hass Griffin of Kansas City, Sara Hass of Columbia, Missouri, and Richard 'Ricker' Hass of Gladstone, Missouri. Ernie also has three great-grandchildren, Madison Hass of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Gage Hass of Gladstone, Missouri, and Alex Griffin of Kansas City, Missouri. Also surviving are her sister, Waunita Findley Draut of Rancho Bernardo, California and her brother, Dr. William B. Findley of Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Ernie lived a full life and the twinkle in her eyes would light up any room. She was loved by all, celebrated life on a daily basis and was an inspiration to all who knew her.
Donations in her name may go to any local Cancer Society. Her ashes will be interred next to her parents at the Miller Cemetery in Worth County, Missouri. There will be a graveside gathering at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 3, 2014.