Shirley Bowler Obituary
Shirley Ann Bowler, 78, of Hannibal, MO, passed away at 9:30 PM, Saturday, May 10, 2025, at her daughters home in Quincy, IL.
Funeral Services will be at 10:00 AM, Thursday, May 15, 2025, at James O'Donnell Funeral Home in Hannibal, MO. Pastor Bill Haffner will officiate. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Hannibal, MO.
Friends and Family are invited to Shirley's Life Celebration at a visitation that will be from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at the funeral home.
Shirley was born September 14, 1946, in Hannibal, MO to Roy Large and Gertrude Amos Large.
She was married to Carl Wayne Bowler Sr. on January 11, 1965, in Hannibal, MO. He preceded her in death on July 4, 2024.
Survivors include her five children, Sharon Pagett of Hannibal, MO, Sandra Bowler of Hannibal, MO, Melissa Holman of Quincy, IL, Nora Holman (Mike Inness) of Quincy, IL, and Lynn Bradley (Mike) of Brookfield, MO; several grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; son, Carol Wayne Bowler Jr.; two brothers, George and Robert; and eight sisters, Delores, Hallie, Joan, Joanna, Mary, Sandra, Barbara, and Alberta.
Shirley was a homemaker and later worked for White Star Laundry and at St. Elizabeth Hospital in housekeeping.
Shirley's days were filled with her favorite game shows, "The Price is Right" and "Wheel of Fortune. Gunsmoke was also a favorite of Shirley's. Shirley was a wonderful cook, friends and family often gathered around her table, patiently waiting for her famous fried chicken. She also enjoyed having her family over for barbeques and fish fries. Family was the cornerstone of Shirley's life, and she cherished her trips to Kansas City, these visits were a source of great happiness and laughter. Equally treasured were the adventures to Memphis, TN, with her husband, where they soaked in the rich culture and music that the city had to offer. One of Shirley's favorite pastimes was playing scratch-off lottery tickets, slot machines, and bingo. Most of all, Shirley treasured the moments spent with her family and friends. She will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Pallbearers will be Scotty VanZee, Justin VanZee, Matthew Holman, John Paul Holman, Jackson Rosenkrans, Brett Bradley, and Davie Whitley.
Memorial contributions may be made to Blessing Hospice. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shirley, please visit our floral store.
Published by WGEM on Oct. 3, 2025.