Louella A. Bowman,

Louella Austin Bowman, age 89, of Taylorsville, passed away on Wednesday, October 27th, 2010 at Frye Regional Medical Center.  She was born in Caldwell County on October 22nd, 1921 to parents Jonas Partee Austin Sr. and Oma Elizabeth Hall Austin.  She was a resident of the Lutheran Home in Hickory for a number of years.  She was a lifelong member of Shiloh Lutheran Church where she previously served as a Sunday School teacher and was a member of the ELCA Women’s Group.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers McCoy, Arthur, Willard, Garland, Gerald, & Roy Austin; and by sisters Irene Starnes, Kay Nell Austin, an infant sister; and also her husband, Gurthie M. Bowman.  Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Ronnie L. Bowman & special friend, Jewel Adams of Val Rico, FL; daughter Elizabeth “Libby” Ritchie and husband Matthew of Bethlehem; sisters: Eula Bowman, Wilma Cochran, Clarence Austin – all of Hickory, Sylvia Hefner of Taylorsville, Brenda Cooke of Bethlehem; and brothers: JP Austin Jr. of Taylorsville; and Gary Austin of Hudson.  Also surviving are her grandchildren:  Christopher John Bowman & wife Lisa of Conover; Shayla Nelson & husband Todd of Claremont; Yvette Helms & husband Bradley of Taylorsville; Alyson Moose of Taylorsville; and also her great-grandchildren: Tiffany & Justin Bowman of Conover; Bryson Helms of Taylorsville; Kaylee Nelson of Claremont; and a great-grandson and great-grand-daughter that have yet to be born.  She also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews.  Visitation will be Thursday, October 28th, at Shiloh Lutheran Church in Hickory from 6-8 P.M.  Service will be conducted at the church on Friday, October 29th, at 11:00 A.M. where Rev. Glen Yount will officiate.  Burial to follow in the church cemetery next to her husband, Gurthie.  Memorials may be made to the Shiloh Lutheran Church’s General Fund @ 1011 Shiloh Church Road; Hickory, 28601.  Alexander Funeral Service has been entrusted with arrangements.