Marjorie "Marge" K. Bowser

when Grandma first let me watch NASCAR she told me " Okay Jeffery the driver you want to root for is number 48 Jimmie Johnson" and ever since then I have been a Jimmie Johnson fan all my life and always will be. GO WARRIORS

Mom, They could not take your dignity nor could they take your status as a Veteran away. After reading your military records, I know how hard you tried to get back into the Illinois National Guard prior to moving back from Texas to Illinois. However, even with the assistance of the Reagan Administration your attempts were blocked not because you failed but because it was out of your hands. You served proudly in the Air Guard for 14 years; you were on active duty and you received an Honorable Discharge. I am so sorry Mom that you did not receive a funeral with full Military Honors, burial in a National Cemetery, and a burial flag from the Government you served. You deserved this honor and the Government let you down. It was wrong and I am truly sorry. After a few phone calls and emails, I received a letter on January 30, 2013 from the Department of Veterans Affairs stating your status of “Veteran” had been restored and your Veteran headstone will arrive in 4 weeks. I was also notified that on your behalf I will receive your burial flag from the United States Government and on behalf of the Air National Guard; which you deserve as a Veteran. I am honored to accept it on your behalf. I shared the wonderful news with Aunt Joey and Billy Joe. We had a lot of good times together and we had our rough patches. I always tried to remember the good times because those were the times when you smiled the most especially when we went to the bird shows and the Pow Wows. In the end you were doing things that Grandma and Grandpa would have been very proud of. I am proud to stand up on your behalf. You are my Mom and after everything that happened to us, we surmised it did not matter in our conversation as long as we forgave each other. I am glad we had the opportunity to make the connection before you passed. I love you Jeannie

Dear Mom, I will always remember the times we talked on the phone, talking about God and all we were learning. Seeing how your walk with the Lord finally came full circle. After reading your final journal I can say I know where you are today. You struggled your whole life but the struggles are over. Your love for, and from, your family was so important yet often not returned. You loved even the unlovable. I am so thankful you were able to see your baby boy before your time was over. You always cherished all you could. Yes I know, life wasn't always sunshine and rainbows, but now you can say, "YOUR LOTTERY NUMBERS FINALLY CAME", because you are the winner now. I am sorry for the worst of times and happy for the good times...You were the best grandma I have ever seen. I cherish the beautiful scrapbooks you did with so much love. I am grateful we shared the love of photos. One day we will see each other again, until then....I love you Mom...Rest in peace. The daughter that forgave.. Bobbie Jo

Mom, You have always stood by me and I really never had the chance to tell you how grateful I was and will always be. Even though we had our rough times we had more good times that I will always cherish. To say I am sorry here will only be written words when you know in my heart that it is true. You loved me and my children unconditionally and for that love you were challenged from all sides. It would have been easier if I was with you but circumstances have prevented that. I was so happy to see you on Thanksgiving when you and Aunt Joey came down to see me. You were so weak but I could see how happy you were when we spent time together. I did not want it to end. I mailed the pictures we had taken together on Monday but you passed away. I am sorry Mom you will never get to see them. Jeffrey and Amber just lost a wonderful Grandma. Your memory will not be forgotten and our family will make sure to keep your memory alive so Amber and Jeffrey will always remember you. Mom I love you and I am really going to miss you. Your loving son, Shorty