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Obituary For Joyce Colleen Bowers
Joyce Colleen Bowers, 86, gained her angel wings surrounded by family on May 5, 2026.
A visitation will be held from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m., Friday, May 22, 2026, at the Christ Community Church (5501 George Washington Carver, Ames, IA), with a memorial service following from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., also at the church.
Joyce was born July 1, 1939, in Ames, Iowa to Roy and Louise Bell. Joyce and her twin sister Joan were the talk of the town as they were the first twins born in the neighborhood. Joyce graduated from Ames High School where she met her husband, Dale Bowers. The two were married on March 30, 1957, and were blessed with four children and numerous grandchildren.
Joyce worked several jobs until she found the one she loved, working for 40 years for the Ames School District Food Service. She absolutely loved her job and getting to know the kids, who years later still remembered her. Her passions were cooking, plants, and the Iowa State Cyclones.
Joyce’s true joy and happiness were her family, especially her grandchildren. She was the person they went to and knew that they would be fed, loved unconditionally, and always had a home. She would move mountains if she could as her children and grandchildren were her world. She never missed a game, a school program, or anything else for her grandchildren or her sons-in-law. She especially loved watching them play ball. She would sit and cheer them on with her little chair, sunglasses, diet coke, and Jujubes.
You could always find Joyce watching her soaps, especially The Young and the Restless, and listening to The Statler Brothers. There wasn’t a fur baby she didn’t spoil with treats or a person who went hungry; her home was an open door to all. She was the best person and family was everything. She was the heart of the family and a safe place for everyone.
Her life has left a lasting memory on all our family, as well as many friends and co-workers. We hope she knew how truly special she was and that she was loved beyond words. Our family is privileged to have been loved by her and to have known what an incredible woman she was.
She will be remembered for her smile, laughter, and kindness to all. She loved her family dearly and always offered her support. She was a remarkable woman and will be missed beyond measure. Joyce was the heart of our family, the thread that wove us together with her love, wisdom, and her warm heart. We will keep her memory alive, even in the little things.
Joyce is survived by her daughters, Cindy (Jeff) Whitefield, Dawn (Todd) Emery, Vicki Bowers; sisters, Joan Nicholson, Darlene Nelson, and Audi Hill; sister-in-law, Marlene Bell; grandchildren, Heather (Donald), Michael (Katie), Austin, Stephanie, Tricia, Matthew, Jeremy and Colby (Alyshia); numerous great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her son, Timothy Bowers, her parents, sister, Tootie Price, and brother, Charles Bell.
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I miss you. Everyday I wake up I want to talk to you, so I do I just don't hear your voice back. Words can't express how much my heart is hurting and how everyday it's a struggle. We all miss you. You were the light in the family. The one that held us together and made everything so much better. I know we all are grieving in our own way, I know you wouldn't want us to be sad and things will move on slowly. We will remember you in the big moments and the small little ones. We didn't have a picnic this year for the 4th and it just felt like another day. I know every holiday will not have that magic and sparkle anymore, because you were the one who made it that way. Happy Belated Birthday Grandma! I hope you're up there watching Y&R, talking with uncle Tim, cooking up a storm and finally at rest. You are forever loved and missed by all of us. We were blessed to have you in our lives. You are the best person I have ever known. Love you. Oh yeah Steph and I got a tattoo in your honor hopefully you laughed at that and thought it was cool. ❤️
I am so sorry to hear about your Mom,Joyce.She was always nice to everyone.l have fond memories in the 70's of your Mom,and the whole family.Losing your Mom is the worst feeling in the world,and l hope everybody in the family, Cindy,Dawn,and Vicki will heal in time.l also miss Tim, because he was fun to be around.Take care everyone.
One of many memories-Joyce was the only one who could cut Joshua's hair, M&M's was the key! Joyce was the best aunt/aunt-in-law that cared so very much about everyone she knew.. Her 4th of July picnics brought friends and family together every year for good food and laughter. Joyce, you're missed.