Lois Ferne (Fosse) Bowen

Lois Ferne Bowen, age 97, of Marion, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2020 at 8:19 p.m. at Sunshine Gardens in Marion.

Ferne was born on September 1, 1922, in Marion, the daughter of Erwin A. and Bessie (Gulledge) Fosse.  She married Charles Bowen in California and he preceded her in death.  Ferne worked as an administrative assistant for Blankenship & Company, Parks Aviation/Emerson Electric, and in civil service at Scott Air Force Base.  Ferne and her husband were very active running racehorses for many years.  She was a member of New Horizons General Baptist Church, Marion, and loved gardening, cooking and most importantly, she loved her family.

Survivors include her brother, Gale E. (Norma) Fosse of Goreville, Illinois; her sons, Ronald C. (Debbie) Bowen of Beecher, Illinois and Edwin E. (Naomi) Bowen, Sr., of Crossville, Tennessee; three grandchildren, Edwin E. Bowen, Jr., Anthony Carrera and Thomas C. Bowen; several great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-law, Phyllis Fosse, Ina Mae Fosse and Judith Fosse; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; a daughter in infancy, Joyce Bowen; and six brothers, Erwin Ray (Lloyd) Fosse, Wayne Fosse, Lavern Fosse, Lawrence Fosse, Lester Fosse and James Marvin Fosse.

Ferne’s wishes were to be cremated.  A private inurnment will take place in Freedom Cemetery in Marion.  Due to health concerns related to the COVID-19 virus, a visitation and memorial service will be held at a later date.

Blue Funeral Home in Marion is assisting the family with arrangements.

For those who prefer, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association and will be accepted at Blue Funeral Home, P.O. Box 411, Marion, Illinois 62959.