Esther Marie Bowen

Esther Marie Bowen, 66, of Ogallala, Nebraska, passed away on November 20, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Her faith was the bedrock of her life, and scripture surrounded her wherever she went-in her home, her car, and her heart. Esther's servant heart shone brightly in all she did, from sharing her faith with young and old alike to making sure each person she cared for felt seen and loved and had the opportunity to know Jesus!

Esther dedicated the early years of her career to nurturing young minds, teaching 3rd and 4th graders in Ohio for a decade. She transitioned into healthcare as a CNA temp.

Sometimes her care and concern for people went unnoticed but not with the Davis family. Mr. Davis saw something special in Esther and offered her a full time caretaking position with him and his family. Esther lavishly took care of them as if they were her own grandparents during their senior years traveling back and forth from Ohio and Florida.

While in Florida, Esther developed a deep love for the ocean. She gathered seashells and sand. She shared her knowledge and collection with grade school classes, enriching young lives with the wonders of the sea. After Mr. Davis died, she moved to Ogallala to be closer to family. She began working at Park Ridge Assisted Living continuing her mission of caring for the elderly and ill all while sharing the love of Jesus.

Whether it was rubbing lotion on a resident's feet just the way they liked, ordering a specific nightgown on Amazon, or ensuring that everyone had their favorite socks and underwear, she took joy in loving the residents. Esther often visited "her residents" after they moved to other facilities - the love of Christ flowed from her and onto others.

Her creative spirit enabled her to spend hours designing bulletin boards, making personalized placemats, and compiling joke books to brighten the days of those around her.

Her collection of teapots and miniatures reflected her delight in life's details. She hosted elaborate tea parties for the Ladies' Fellowship at church and intimate tea parties for children, ensuring everyone had their own miniature teapot to pour from-creating cherished memories full of love.

Esther's legacy is one of faith, love, and selfless service. She touched countless lives, leaving a lasting impact through her compassion and grace. As she fought through her own cancer diagnosis, she took comfort in Psalm 46:10 - "Be still and know that I am God."

Born on November 2, 1958, in Dallas, Texas, Esther was the daughter of D. Maynard and Althea Rose (Morse) Bowen. She graduated from Markoma Bible Academy in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, in 1977. Driven by a passion for teaching and service, she pursued a degree in Elementary Education at Maranatha Baptist Bible College in Watertown, Wisconsin.

Esther was preceded in death by 4 grandparents, her mother, Althea Rose (Morse) Bowen, and her brother-in-law Donald Baty. She is survived by her father, D. Maynard Bowen of Wray, CO; her brothers: Cecil (Carol) Bowen of Goodland, KS, Joseph Bowen of North Platte, NE and her sisters: Ruth Baty of Elko, NV, Rebekah (Matthew) Bellomo of Cottonwood, CA, Elisabeth (Dan) Swysgood of Danville, AR, and Rachel (Bob) Harvoy of Ogallala, NE, five nieces, eight nephews, two great-nieces, six great-nephews and many, many friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at GracePoint Church in Ogallala on November 27, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, Esther requested that donations be made to Child Evangelism Fellowship or either of the local Christian Radio Stations - KJLT or My Bridge Radio in her name.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.