Bessie Bowman Bowman Lea

Bessie Mae Cheek, Bowman ,Lea, 89, Fordland, passed away Friday, June 13, 2025 at her daughters' home in Springfield.

She born on April 28th 1936 in Omaha, Arkansas the daughter of Steve and Ruby Cheek.

Bessie was a graduate of Omaha High Schools Class of 1954 and was the last surviving member of her class.

Bessie had three children, Steve, Judy and Tom. She married Ralph Lea in 1979 and moved to Fordland, Missouri. While there she farmed beside her husband and made many friends. She loved working on her farm and the people of Fordland. Her greatest joy in life was taking care of her family and watching it grow. She loved helping people, and thought it was her mission to do so

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She is survived by her son, Steve Bowman; her daughter, Judy Mangan; a sister, Nellie Creager of Omaha, Arkansas; eight grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and a whole lot of people who loved her. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ralph Lea, and her son, Tom Bowman.

She was the best mom ever.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Seasons Hospice for their special care of our mom.

A visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at J.D. Lee and Sons Funeral Home, Rogersville. Burial will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Fordland Cemetery, Fordland.