Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1941
DIED
2014
Sue Bowling Obituary
Born Feb. 26, 1941, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, to Theodore and Nadine Nicholas Bowling, Sue Ann spent most of her growing years in Wichita, Kansas. She earned a bachelor's degree in physics at Radcliffe/Harvard and in 1963, moved to Fairbanks to further her studies at the Geophysical Institute. She was the first woman graduate student as well as the first woman to receive a doctorate degree at the Geophysical Institute. Sue Ann was the first director of the Alaska Climate Center. After a post doctoral fellowship at NCAR, she returned to the Geophysical Institute and joined the faculty.
Sue had many interests in life. She was a voracious reader, an avid gardener, loved animals, snowflakes and outer space. As an active member of the Fairbanks Community Writers Group and the Alaska Writers Guild, she enjoyed writing and collaborating with other authors. She took part in readings sponsored by the Fairbanks Arts Association. Sue was a longtime supporter of the KUAC PBS station and a member of the Tanana Valley Kennel Club. As a member of the American Shetland Sheepdog Association, she did a great deal of research into canine color genetics of Shetland Sheepdogs (http://bowlingsite.mcf.com).
After 30 years of teaching and research at the Geophysical Institute, she retired in order to spend more time writing. In 2010, she published "Homecoming," the first book in a science-fiction series. Subsequently, "Tourist Trap," second in the series, was published in 2012.
She is survived by her sisters, Carol Bowling Baer (Richard), of Ithaca, New York, and Jean Bowling Perry (David), of Sierra Vista, Arizona; a nephew, Michael Perry (Rebecca), of Reno, Nevada; and a niece, Carin Perry Leffler (Kevin), of Altadena, California.
The family will hold a memorial gathering for her friends in the Fairbanks area at 5 p.m. Friday, May 29, at Raven Landing, 1222 Cowles St.
Please visit www.legacy.com/obituaries/newsminer to sign an online guest book.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sue Bowling
6 Entries
Sue Broadston (Nichparenko)
July 5, 2017
I was a physics grad student at UA in 65-67 and I have often said one of my life regrets is that I didn't get to know my very few female colleagues. I knew Sue Ann but only distantly. I was hoping to see her when I return to Fairbanks for the 50th reunion July 20-23. I am heartbroken to find out that I am too late. My condolences to all who knew and loved her.
Shannon Spear
January 17, 2017
Hi.I never met Sue ann in person. I did however find some of her personal articles and drawings from her past. I have hundreds of her horse sketches from when she was young and maybe in colledge. I always wanted to find her and give them back. If there is anyone who would cherish these memories of her i would be glad to see to it you get them. In my opinion they are solid gold. My name is Shannon and my number is 9073782022
May 26, 2015
My sincerest condolences to the Bowling Family. May the God of all comfort (Psalms 83:18) help you during this difficult time.
Shirley Belon
May 26, 2015
I enjoyed visiting with Sue Ann during the years she was at the GI. She was always such a kind,loving person--especially with her beautiful Shetland Sheep dogs. Sincere condolences to the family.
Jody Hanns
May 26, 2015
I remember Sue Ann from my childhood. She used to come and ride at Howard's on Bennett Road. She also lived next to my family for years. She took lots of 8mm video's of all the kids riding. She also owned a big gray horse (can't remember his name). My Condolences to her family.
Gary Newman
May 24, 2015
It has been a while since I spent any time with Sue Ann. I was the telephone guy on campus back in the 70's and enjoyed the chats she and I had at the GI. Condolences to the family.
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
Make a Donation
in Sue Bowling's name
Memorial Events
for Sue Bowling
How to support Sue's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Sue Bowling's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
