Rita Marie Bowland

Rita Bowland Obituary Rita (Cummings) Bowland, 69 of Ogallala, Nebraska passed away Saturday, January 13, 2024, in her home after a long battle from Colon Cancer.
Rita was born to Russel and Idella (Wight) Cummings on April 17, 1954, in Denver, CO. She grew up in Castle Rock, CO with her parents and two brothers.
Rita graduated from Douglas County High School in 1972 in Castle Rock, CO. She was active in rodeo, 4-H, and cheer. During her high school years, she helped with her familys John Deere store doing part runs and being active in Eastern Star. Rita attended Colorado State University in Greeley, CO working on a music education degree. While in Greely she was a member of their college rodeo team. Rita later received her Bachelor's degree in Social Work.
During college Rita met the love of her life, Randy Bowland, through mutual friends. They got married on November 22, 1975, in Castle Rock; they had two children from the marriage. During their marriage, they lived in Wyoming and various places in Colorado before calling Arthur, NE home and buying their own ranch. During their marriage, Rita helped Randy with his construction company and later the ranch.
While living in Arthur she was active in the community helping with the Pack Backers club, high school rodeo secretary, and the Arthur Co. Fair for many years. She later managed the Wolf Den Market (a high school-started grocery store) for about ten years, before moving back to Castle Rock to help with family. She later worked for Yuma County Schools as a para, before beginning her battle with cancer. In 2019 she moved to Ogallala to be close to family and worked as a para at Ogallala High School until this year.
Rita loved working outside helping take care of their ranch. She always had amazing flower beds and yards taking much pride in them. Rita enjoyed cooking for her family and friends for various occasions. Rita would chase her kids to the next sports activity, 4-H, rodeo, or activity they had going on. She was always their biggest supporter and was ready for what was coming next. Once the grandkids came along, she would always be at their activities and events whether near or far, when she was able to.
Rita is preceded in death by her father, Russel Cummings.
Rita is survived by her husband Randy Bowland; mother Idella Cummings of Castle Rock, CO; brothers Steven (Linda) Cummings of Wynaro, WY, and Curtis (Lori) Cummings of Franktown, CO; son Ryan Bowland of Broken Bow, NE; Daughter Callie (Eric) Elmshauser of Ogallala, NE; grandkids Morgan Lile, John Elmshauser, Wyatt Elmshauser, Tyler Bowland, Ally ONeil, Lainie (Justin) Menard and two great-grandchildren; also, with Nieces and Nephews.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 19, 2024, at Draucker Funeral Home Chapel in Ogallala, NE with family greeting friends from 3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Funeral Services will be on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 10:00 A.M. at the Church of Christ in Ogallala, NE with, Pastor Bobby Brueggeman officiating.
Internment will take place at 2:00 pm in the Arthur Cemetery, Arthur, NE.
A memorial has been established in her memory.
Online condolences may be left at www.drauckerfh.com
The service will be live-streamed at www.drauckerfh.com.
Draucker Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
Services
Family Greeting Friends
Friday
January 19, 2024
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Draucker Funeral Home
700 N. Spruce Street
Ogallala, NE 69153
Funeral Service
Saturday
January 20, 2024
10:00 AM
Church of Christ (Ogallala)
502 West K Street
Ogallala, NE 69153 To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Rita, please visit our Tree Store.