RITA MAE (BACHMAN) BOWMAN Nov. 17, 1926 – Nov. 17, 2016

Rita Mae (Bachman) Bowman, 90, was born November 17, 1926, second of the three daughters of Carl Otto and Helen Cecelia Bachman of La Porte, Indiana. She entered eternal life on November 17, 2016, her 90th birthday.

Rita attended La Porte High School, graduating in 1944.  In her senior year, she won a statewide classical piano competition. She also enjoyed playing the cello in a string trio with friends. Her love of music stayed with her throughout her life, and her children remember many happy hours listening to her play her beloved piano.

On July 5th of 1952 she married Kenneth Bowman, also of La Porte.

Ken and Rita have 4 children, Carl Bernard (Lori) of Grand Canyon, AZ, Cecelia Ann of Denver, CO, Eric Bachman of Springvale, ME, and Martha Mary of North Waterboro, ME. She is also survived by 3 grandsons, Luke and Craig of Grand Canyon, Az. and Timothy of N. Waterboro, ME., all of whom will miss her greatly.

In 1965, the Bowmans moved to Los Alamos, New Mexico, where where Ken worked for Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Rita loved embroidery, and as a member of the Embroiderer’s Guild of America, created many beautiful and unique items. She also enjoyed doll collecting, bringing them back from many parts of the globe.

Rita was a faithful member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Los Alamos, where she volunteered in the library and caring for the linens.

Rita volunteered in many areas, including Mountain Elementary School library, where she also volunteered as a room mother. She volunteered with Boy Scouts as a den mother.

The Mass of Christian Burial was held for Rita at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Los Alamos on November 22, 2016. Interment will be at Guaje Pines Cemetery at a later date. The family of Rita Mae (Bachman) Bowman has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espanola Valley. 505.747.7477-www.devargasfuneral.com.