Vivian Ann "Viv" Bowsman

Vivian Ann “Viv” Bowsman, 81, of New Castle, passed away peacefully in her home on the evening of Thursday, May 7, 2020, following a long and courageous battle with lung cancer. She was born February 4, 1939, in Mohawk, Indiana, a daughter of the late Raymond McDoniel and Delores (Brooks) Leonard. Viv was a 1957 graduate of Knightstown High School. She married the love of her life, Donald Bowsman, on November 5, 1965, and together they enjoyed 54 years of companionship. Viv was a Girl Scout Leader, involved with the March of Dimes, and helped tutor children at Westwood Elementary School. She had worked at the State Hospital and also as a cake decorator at Becker’s Grocery. Viv was a great cook and homemaker. She loved to bake, was an avid reader, New Castle Trojan Sports fan, and loved sitting out on the porch watching birds, especially bluebirds and cardinals. Her greatest joy was being a part of her grandchildren’s events. Those left to cherish Viv’s memory include her loving husband, Don Bowsman; two daughters, Rhonda (Jeff) Bennett of New Castle and Melynda (Kevin) Connelly of Camdenton, MO; three sons, Kevin (Frances) Bowsman, Robert (Karen) Modlin, and Donnie (Alice) Bowsman, all of New Castle; 18 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Gerald (Susan) Leonard of Knightstown and Bob (Mary) Leonard of Greenfield, along with several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Viv was preceded in death by a son, William “Billy” Modlin, and by a sister, Earla Sue Ertel. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, May 13, 2020, at Sproles Family Funeral Home with Shelly Hanson officiating. Burial will follow at South Mound Cemetery West Lawn Addition. Friends may call from 4 - 8 pm Tuesday at the funeral home. Due to COVID 19 restrictions, we must limit those attending visitations to 25 people at a time. Please wear a mask, if possible, and maintain social distance. Thank you for your patience. Memorial contributions may be offered to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association. You may send the family a personal condolence at www.sprolesfamilycares.com. Vivian wanted to make sure we expressed her appreciation and deep gratitude for those who saved her life at the New Castle Basketball game, Joyce Murphy, Heather Turner, Brittanie Tabor Lee, Samantha Lowhorn, Alicia Wardlow, and Isaac Yousak. Also, the family would like to give a special thank you to Beth Bennett for her wonderful care of Vivian. The Sproles family and staff are honored to serve the family of Vivian Ann “Viv” Bowsman.

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Vivian Ann "Viv" Bowsman

February 4, 1939 - May 7, 2020