Charlcey Ann Bowen May 13, 2003 – May 26, 2011
Charlcey Ann Bowen was born May 13, 2003 in Des Moines, Iowa to Judd and Christina (Shields) Bowen. Charlcey was welcomed home by big brother Trevor and two years later she welcomed little sister Macey Kay home.
Charlcey, or ‘Chuck’ as she was known to Macey, Trevor and friends, was a second grade student at Mount Ayr elementary school. Charlcey was a very unique child. Not only did she have a very unique name given to her by her Grandpa Larry Bowen, but also a very special personality. She was a very loving, caring and giving child always helping others as shown by the letters written by her classmates and friends. Her big brown eyes and gorgeous smile that she always had for everyone were what people especially enjoyed about her. According to her teacher, Mrs. Taylor, she was the little problem solver of the class and always helping her classmates in some way. Charlcey’s loving way came from her love of Jesus. She enjoyed attending Sunday school and church at the Kellerton Assembly of God Church where her Grandpa Bart preaches.
Chuck was an active girl. She was athletic and enjoyed softball, swimming, tumbling in gymnastics, fishing and playing volleyball and playing cards. Chuck was a good bowler and was overall very competitive; she played to win! She liked riding her bike and playing with all her cousins; especially making up dance routines to perform to anyone who would watch. Charlcey was a pet lover. She had several pets including Bo the dog, Tucker the cat and the fish that she always fed. She also adored horses especially riding with her Aunt Lanette. Chuck loved to play video games with Trevor and dolls with Macey. Chuck was creative and did crafts. She had a collection of Build-A-Bears. She was mature for her age and her friendship base crossed many generational lines. She liked her DSI and the many songs on her I-Pod, including ‘old’ country music songs. Her favorite TV show was ‘Dukes of Hazzard’ and the movies, ‘Smokey and the Bandit’ and ‘Christmas Vacation.’ Charlcey loved to stay with her grandpas and grandmas. She claimed that her eighth birthday at Adventureland was ‘the best one ever!’ She even convinced her dad and cousin Holly to sit up front in the log ride to get the full effects of the ride. Chuck had a compassionate heart and a big smile.
Charlcey passed away May 26, 2011. She was preceded in death by her great-grandparents, Jim and Ruby Bowen, Eldon Pinkerton, Art Steinman, Charles Junior Shields and Bob and Kathleen Sefrit.
Those who will forever cherish her memory include her father, Judd Bowen; mother, Christina Bowen; 13-year-old brother, Trevor Gooding; six-year-old sister, Macey Kay Bowen; grandparents, Barton and Barbara Shields of Mount Ayr, Iowa and Larry and Sharon Bowen of Benton, Iowa; great-grandmothers, Mabel Shields and June Steinman, both of Mount Ayr, Iowa; uncle, Josh and Christi Shields, cousins, Allie, Kelcie, MacKenzie and Kaylie Shields; aunt, Lanette Shields; uncle, Eric and Carrie Bowen, cousins, Abby and Carter Bowen; uncle, Austin Bowen; a large and loving extended family, and many, many friends.
Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr was entrusted with the services. A memorial fund has been established in her name to be decided later.
Services were conducted at the high school gymnasium in Mount Ayr on Tuesday, May 31, 2011, with Rev. Edward Shields officiating. Musical selections were ‘The Climb,’ ‘Butterfly Kisses,’ ‘Cinderella Song’ and ‘Sissy’s Song.’
Casket bearers were Lonnie Williams, Marty Lesan, Jared Murphy, Shannon Barnes, Clint Walters and Shannon Scrivner.
Honorary pallbearers included Allie Shields, Kelcie Shields, MacKenzie Shields, Kaylie Shields, Abby Bowen and Carter Bowen.
Charlcey was laid at rest in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Mount Ayr.
