Alice Rohm Bowers passed away at the age of 87 on Monday, November 2, 2009.
A resident of Keokuk since 1946, Alice was born in Chicago, the daughter of Hazel K. and William Rohm. She grew up in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, and attended the University of Iowa where she met her husband and life-long love, Richard Bowers. They were married on January 9, 1943 and spent 67 wonderful years together.
Alice was a talented and gracious woman who opened her arms to many people her entire life. She was a committed volunteer who was active in community affairs, the arts and St. John’s Episcopal Church. She was passionate about the arts: an award-winning painter, President of the Keokuk Art Center, a member of Iowa Arts Council, on the Friends of SUI Museum board, and juried member of both the Arizona and Iowa watercolor societies.
In addition to leadership in many activities in her church, her community activities included the Graham Hospital Guild, Fine Arts Council, PTA, Art in the Park and Mothers Study Club. She was the founder of the first Festival of Trees. She was the first recipient of the Spirit of Keokuk award. Last but certainly not least, she was a member of the President’s Club of the State University of Iowa and a lifelong Hawkeyes fan.
She was devoted to her family. She is survived by her husband, and her three children, Rick Bowers, Catherine Rocca, and Sarah Bowers, and her son-in-law, Bart Rocca. She was blessed with ten grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren and twelve nieces and nephews and their families.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Jean Rohm and his wife, Beverly, a daughter-in-law, Margaret Freeman Bowers, her parents-in-law, Alice and Russell Bowers, a brother-in-law, James Bowers and a nephew, Donald Bowers.
She is also survived by two very special friends: Sally Tedrow and Wanda Cannon and her family. Space does not permit the listing of the other countless friends and souls who were touched by her generous and loving spirit.
Alice Bowers brightened the worlds of all who knew her. She was compassionate and she was passionate. She led an exceptionally full and active life. With characteristic humor in her last days, she was fond of reminding her family: “It is better to wear out than rust out.”
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