Phyllis Bowen Obituary

Phyllis Jean (Willms) Bowen, 87, Lawrence, KS, passed away at the Lawrence Memorial Hospital on October 27, 2025, after a brief illness. She was born May 12, 1938, in Wilcox, NE, to William J. and Louisa (Ruhs) Willms. Phyl married Charles Dean Bowen on February 26, 1957. They lived in Nebraska until a business opportunity moved them to Lenora, KS, in 1962, where they raised three children. Phyl worked for the Rural Telephone Service Company for 30 years. She was involved with the local and district Boy Scouts. Her hobbies included bowling, sewing, and spending time with Dean at their lake spot in Nebraska. During retirement, Phyl traveled and resided in McCook, NE, and Rio Hondo, TX, before relocating to Lawrence in 2020.

Survivors include her daughter Jody Hickert, son Doug Bowen, five grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Dean, a daughter Shelly Wente, her parents, and three siblings.

There are no scheduled services. The family will have a private service at a later date. Memorials may be sent to the charity of your choice in memory of Phyl.

For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com.