Florence M. (Yates) Bowen

August 18, 1913 - May 11, 2013

Florence Yates Bowen was born Florence Matilda Schrock on August 18, 1913 in Shickley, Nebraska. She was raised in rural Fillmore County, the seventh of eight siblings. She graduated from Shickley High School in 1931. Florence married Robert (Bob) T. Yates on August 31, 1932. Following a period of living and working in California, Florence and Bob returned to rural Geneva, Nebraska to farm the Yates Homestead Act family farm settled by Bob's grandfather. Florence was a devoted mother with a top priority to love and nurture her two children, Shirley and Bill. Faith and church were also top priorities for Florence. She was a founding member of the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Geneva, Nebraska. After her youngest child, Bill, entered grade school, Florence became a retail clerk at the local Gambles Store. She managed the toy store section for Gambles and was known by many as the Gambles Toy Lady. Following Bob's death in 1968, Florence moved to Omaha, Nebraska to be closer to her children and grandchildren. She relished family gatherings and the laughter of a good card game. She volunteered at the Children's Hospital gift shop in Omaha for many years continuing well after reaching 90 years old. Florence met and later married Chester H. Bowen on February 2, 1979. Florence and Chet enjoyed many retirement years together, traveling and going to family activities. Florence was preceded in death by her two husbands, an infant son, her seven siblings and a granddaughter, Karen Nelson Lienneman. She is survived by her daughter, Shirley J. Nelson and husband Wincel C. Nelson, Jr., of Omaha and her son, William R. Yates, M.D. and his wife Sonja of Tulsa, Oklahoma. She is also survived by 5 grandchildren (spouses): Julie Muessel (Tim), Kristin Shepherd (Bob), Ted Yates, Tim Yates (Ashley) and Sarah Hutcherson (Russell), great-grandchildren: Daniel Lienneman, Joshua Lienneman, Ryan Muessel, Grant Muessel, Molly Muessel and Claire Yates; great-great-grandchildren, Lily Muessel and Aariah Lienneman. Additional survivors include many extended family members including her beloved niece, Patty Adams. Memorials can be directed to Lutheran Church of the Master, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Geneva, or the Laureate Institute for Brain Research in Tulsa. In her later years, Florence suffered from dementia but always remained quick to smile and pleasant toward others. In the weeks before her death, five generations beginning with Florence gathered for photographs to celebrate and remember her wonderful life. A woman of unshakable faith, Florence knew the peace that passes all understanding. In documents to be read by family members after her death she wrote six simple words: "I will be waiting for you!" The family will receive friends, Thursday May 16, 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Lutheran Church of the Master, 2617 S. 114th Street with a Funeral Service at 10:30 a.m. Interment, Thursday, May 16, 3:30 p.m., Geneva Cemetery, Geneva, Nebraska. Heafey Heafey Hoffman Dworak & Cutler Mortuary conducted the funeral services and Farmer & Son Funeral Home conducted the graveside services.