Constance Mae "Connie" Bowman

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our Mom and Gram, Constance "Connie" Mae Bowman, 89, of Divernon. She passed away Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Memorial Medical Center, surrounded by her family.

Connie was born in Springfield, Illinois, on August 21, 1936, to Floyd and L.C. Crocker. She proudly claimed it was the hottest day ever recorded in Springfield-and the record still stands. Always being a force of nature, maybe she started global warming 89 years ago.

She was the oldest of five children and had the privilege of being raised with some amazing brothers and sisters. Barb Blankenship, Floyd (Bud) Crocker, Randy (Al) Crocker, and Ida McDermott (in heaven). She welcomed bonus siblings through marriage: Frank Blankenship (in heaven), Leila Crocker (in heaven), and Hettie Crocker.

Connie married Ray Hohenstein in 1955, and together they had two children, Ray Hohenstein and Debbie (Rettberg) Ladage. She later married Gordon Bowman, and they welcomed Mary Fouks, Joe Bowman, and Gordon "JR" Bowman.

Her proudest accomplishment-without question-was her family. She leaves behind Ray (Lori) Hohenstein, Debbie (Craig) Ladage, Mary (Howard, in heaven) Fouks, Joe Bowman, JR (Bekki) Bowman, and Jake Rettberg. Her pride and joy continued through her grandchildren-Jaime (Alex), Mindy (Paul), Megan (Jesse), Cori (Brock), Jarad (Laura), Amber (Jason), Dominique, and Jesse (Liz)-and her great-grandchildren: Jack, Will, Alice, Patrick, Georgette, Landon, Decker, Quinn, Mila, Fiona, Pierce and Jaxson. She often said, "There isn't a Dud in the Bunch," and she meant it every time.

As a young, single mother of five, Connie's days were filled with endless chores and parenting. Later, once the nest was (mostly) empty, she joined her daughter Debbie at Rettberg's in Divernon. She quickly became a local icon-practically a celebrity-and many folks stopped in simply to see Connie. She retired at 70, though she always missed the customers and friendships she made over the years.

Her greatest passion outside her family was her church. Harvard Park Baptist Church was her church home starting in childhood. She served as treasurer for over 50 years, was a Sunday School teacher, choir member, VBS teacher and administrator, and happily took on "various other duties as assigned". Connie considered herself blessed and was generous with her time, her resources, and her love. She was instrumental in outreach programs. Cooking and serving meals to people in need, organizing donations, craft and bake sales and various other ministries were all callings she answered with selflessness, enthusiasm and genuine love. She was humble beyond measure and lived by her Grandpa's mantra: "Everyone puts their britches on the same way."

As her friends grew older or lost the ability to drive, Connie provided the wheels to church functions, social gatherings, and shopping trips. She was their Uber before there was an Uber.

Her family was her life. She had a uniquely special bond with each of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Being a young mom brought challenges, but it also brought blessings along the way. She got to experience every season of life with her children and was able to enjoy her grandkids and great-grandkids and their many milestones and accomplishments.

In her final days, her heart and body were at odds with each other. She wanted to remain with the people she loved, but her body had other plans. She eventually realized God was gently calling her home and she accepted it with peace, knowing she would be welcomed with open arms by the loved ones who had gone before her. What a joyful reunion that must have been.

A funeral service and a Celebration of Life and are being planned for a later date.

Memorials may be made to Harvard Park Baptist Church, 2401 S Ninth St, Springfield, IL 62703.