Darlene Bowers

Darlene Bowers, 72, of Atlantic, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2009, at her home in Atlantic.

Darlene Anne Dix was born June 2, 1936, in Magnolia, Iowa, the daughter of Ernest and Dorothy Pearl (Unmack) Dix.

She graduated from Missouri Valley High School in 1954. On May 29, 1954, Darlene was united in marriage to Newell Baptiste Bowers at the First Lutheran Church in Missouri Valley, Iowa. The couple lived in Missouri Valley until 1970 when they moved to Atlantic. Together they were co-owners of Bowers Bakery in Missouri Valley and Atlantic. She later worked for Chestnut Lane Creations in Atlantic.

Darlene was a member of Saint Paul's Lutheran Church in Atlantic. She was a behind the scenes kind of person, volunteering her time and talents where needed. She will be remembered as a good friend, neighbor, wife, mother and grandmother.

Darlene is survived by her husband of 55 years, Newell of Atlantic, Iowa; her son, Steven (Judy) Bowers of Iowa City, Iowa, and their children, Ron Bowers, Brian Denham and Matthew Denham; her daughter, Lee Ann (Rick) Heldenbrand of Lincoln, Nebraska, and their children, Ryan (Jaime) Incontro, Joel Incontro, Sarah Incontro, Jessie Heldenbrand and son, Eric, Elie Heldenbrand and son, Brye, and Abbie Heldenbrand; her second daughter, Karen (Denise Menke) Bowers and their children, Alexis, Sarita and Elicia Menke-Bowers. Also by her brothers, Robert (Geri) Dix, William (Judee) Dix and Donald Dix; her sisters, Catherine (Clifford) Bonham, Mary (Wes) Rase and Linda (Mark) Knoell; 38 nieces and nephews and many other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Dorothy Dix; her sister, Maxine Small; her brother-in-law, Derrell Small; and nephews, Richard Small and Robert Dix Jr.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, March 16, 2009, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Atlantic.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2009, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with the family present from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., with a prayer service during the visitation at 4:00 p.m.

Burial will be in the Magnolia Cemetery in Magnolia, Iowa, at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, March 16, 2009.

In lieu of flowers please direct memorials to the organization of your choice in Darlene's name.

Hockenberry Family Care in Atlantic, Iowa, is in charge of the arrangements.