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Obituary For Bonnie Sue Dowell
Bonnie Dowell, 73, of Urbandale, passed away on Monday, June 16, 2025, surrounded by her family at Taylor House in Des Moines.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 23, 2025, at Memorial Services of Iowa (4208 N. Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, IA). A public graveside service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, IA.
Bonnie was born the youngest of four daughters on April 24, 1952, in Frederick, Oklahoma to James Emory and Veda Marie (Harbour) Taylor. After the passing of her father when she was nine, her mother continued raising Bonnie and her sisters as a single parent. During her senior year of high school, she met William Rodney Dowell, who was stationed at nearby Altus Air Force Base. When Rod was honorably discharged in the winter of 1970, Bonnie followed him up to Des Moines. They were married on May 30, 1970.
Bonnie worked at Bankers Life in Des Moines; the only job she had her entire adult life. She took off a few years when their son, William Darrin, was born, but returned back to the company where she stayed until she retired. She was so proud of her son and rarely missed an event. She was always present at any scout meeting, baseball game, or band or choir concert. One of her favorite memories was chaperoning the Urbandale High School Band to Oahu, Hawaii in 1995. While she did not have the privilege of going to college herself, she loved visiting Darrin at Luther College and enjoying the sites in Decorah.
Perhaps the greatest joy of her life were her three grandchildren, Madeline, Audrey, and James. She often referred to them by their initials: J.A.M. Her preference was to be called “Grandma.” She will be remembered for her generous gift of time and attention she gave them all. She wanted them to know how proud she was and will always be of them. She loved going to see the girls at dance recitals and cheering James on in the pinewood derby. The grandkids came to know that if Grandma came to see you perform, she expected a photo with you afterwards. The photo roll on her phone was full of pictures and videos that she replayed when she wasn’t with the grandkids.
Bonnie also loved cooking her favorite meal, beef and noodles, for family gatherings. Her recipe, in her own handwriting, is captured forever on a cutting board that she gifted the family. Over the years she lovingly made many scrapbooks to capture memories and gifted many to friends and family. She also made handcrafted cards for every occasion.
Bonnie was not the tallest person. Each grandchild marked the day they grew taller than Grandma. She often sat near the front at the kids’ events to have a clear view. It was hard for her to attend in later months, but she always had a flood of photos and videos shared by others to make sure she could continue to participate. Now, she will have the greatest seat in the house and will never miss an occasion.
We believe in a God that heals and restores. Bonnie is with Him now and her pains and struggles are gone.
Bonnie is survived by her husband of 55 years, Rod. She enjoyed doing everything and anything together with him. Her favorites were attending estate sales, mowing the back yard with the John Deere tractor that she bought him, and going on scenic drives together, especially in the later months when her mobility was limited. Also surviving are her son, Darrin and his wife, Lisa, along with their three children: Madeline, Audrey, and James; and sisters, Rena Taylor Newton of Mission, TX, and Jeanie Taylor Strader of Amarillo, TX.
She was preceded in death by her father, James; her mother, Marie; and sister, Nina Taylor McQuilliams.
The family thanks the team at Mill Pond in Ankeny, Five North at Iowa Methodist, and Taylor House for their compassion.
All three of Bonnie’s grandchildren are active in the arts and she loved supporting them and their friends. Memorial contributions to the Centennial Choral Music Parent Association (CCPMO) are welcome, or flowers are also appreciated.
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Add A CondolenceRod, I can't imagine your pain at losing this lovely woman. Although Bonnie wore many hats very well throughout her life, the brightest seemed to be being a wife, mother and grandmother. Our family is thinking about you and your family. Jan Hetherington
