Mary Joan Bowser

Mary Joan "JoAnne" Bowser, 69, of Olive Street, Karns City, went to be with Jesus at 7:30 a.m. Thursday at Butler Memorial Hospital following a lingering illness.

She was born in Fairview Township on March 30, 1940, and was a daughter of the late Joseph Melvin Barger and Florence Snow Barger.

Mrs. Bowser was a longtime member of the Church of God of Prophecy in Karns City and was a member of the TOPS Club of Butler.

She attended both elementary and secondary schools in Karns City.

Mrs. Bowser was a nurse's aide at McCreas Assisted Living in Fenelton for several years.

She married Paul R. Bowser on March 6, 1958 in Armstrong County, and he survives along with three daughters, Brenda L. Reitler and her husband, Edward W., of East Brady, Susan D. Kelley and Bishop Jeffrey K. of Fertigs, Venus, Pa., and Barbara E. Ion and her husband, Tracy J., of Karns City; 17 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; two brothers, William J. Barber and his wife, Norma, of Butler, and J. Daniel Barger and his wife, Linda, of Greensburg; two sisters, Mabel Arlene Miller of Saxonburg and Shirley M. Hornyak of Valencia; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents and a sister, Lillian Snow.

<B>BOWSER —</B> Friends of Mary Joan "JoAnne" Bowser, who died Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009, will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the Karns City Church of God of Prophecy, and on Monday at the church from noon until services at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Roy G. Tilton, former pastor, and Bishop Jeffrey K. Kelley, son-in-law and pastor of the Church of God of Prophecy, officiating. Burial will be private.Arrangements are being handled by the <B>RICHARD D. HILLIS FUNERAL HOME</B> in Petrolia.