Claudia L. Bowers

Claudia L. Bowers was born April 10, 1933, on a farm near Amherst, Nebraska, to Raymond H. and Mary M. (Harmony) Rumbeck, the third of nine children. Shepassed away Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, at Ridgewood Care Center in Seward at the age of 85 years, six months and 21 days.
She graduated with the class of 1950 from Amherst High School. Following her high school graduation, Claudia earned a Normal Teaching Certificate and taught at the rural school near their home, teaching several of her siblings, who lovingly called her “Butch.” She also was the teacher at several rural schools in Buffalo County while she was completing the various classes needed for her bachelor’s degree. She received her bachelor’s degree in education from Kearney State College in 1968. After receiving her teaching certificate, Claudia taught first grade in Imperial for 14 years, retiring in 1992.
On May 26, 1957, she was united in marriage to Harold B. “Burns” Bowers in Amherst, Nebraska and to this union four children were born: Wesley, Kathi, Stewart and Amy. Together they started their married life in Lincoln before moving in 1962 to Holdrege and in 1966 to Imperial. Throughout their married life, Claudia enjoyed helping Burns in his endeavors when she was able.
She enjoyed being a member of the Imperial community for more than 30 years, participating in the United Methodist Church, the United Methodist Women and other community organizations. She was a 4-H leader and volunteered many hours at the local library. Claudia was a member of Nebraska State Education Association and a past member of the University Women. After Claudia and Burns moved to Friend, she was a member of United Church of Christ and the Friend Country Club.
Claudia enjoyed spending time with her family. As her children were growing up, she especially enjoyed teaching the girls to sew and cook. She was an avid reader all her life and spending time outdoors doing yard work, gardening and walking was a joy she relished. In her spare time, she was often found purchasing used furniture items that she could lovingly refinish. Claudia and Burns enjoyed traveling, playing golf, spending time bird watching and cherished the moments with her family at the cabin at Lake McConaughy.
She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Kathi (Dr. Joseph) Abate, Coeur D’Alene, Idaho and Amy (Brent) Milton, Friend; five grandchildren and spouses, Holly (Steve) Young, Black Forest, Colorado, Logan (Kristen) Milton, Friend, Bailey (Josh) Zimmer, Friend, Joseph Abate, Coeur D’Alene, Idaho, Alexandra Abate, Seattle, Washington; seven and soon to be eight great-grandchildren, Audrey and Aaron Young, Sloan and Karoline Milton, Raylan and Wyatt Zimmer and Om Abate; brother Pete Rumbeck, Amherst; sisters and brothers-in-law, Jane (Bill) Ripp, Ames, Iowa, Patty Schake, Geneva, JoAnn Todd, Lincoln, Jean (Larry) Albright, Ravenna; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Cindy and Les Hildebrand, Colorado Springs, Colorado, Stella Bowers, Colorado Springs, Colorado, Joe McFarland, Norwalk, Iowa, Jane Rumbeck, Amherst; daughter-in-law Sandra Bowers, Colorado; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.
In addition to family listed above, Claudia was preceded in death by her husband, Harold “Burns” in 2016; sons Stewart and Wesley; brother Jerry Rumbeck; sisters Vaughn Hahn and Cherie “Liz” McFarland; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law Arlan Schake, Jerry Hahn, Jim and Beverly Bowers and William “Bill” Bowers.
A funeral service will be held at the Friend Congregational Church at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018 with Pastor Dave Coleman officiating. Burial with take place in the Paxton Cemetery in Paxton with Mark Bowers officiating. Visitation will be on Friday noon to 8 p.m. at Lauber-Moore Funeral Home in Friend and one hour prior to service at the church.
Memorials are directed in care of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Lauber Funeral Service, Inc. Condolences may be left for the family at laubermoore.com.