Shirley Bowlin

Shirley Jean Swain Bowlin, 90, died peacefully of complications from Alzheimers at Edgewood Vista in Missoula on March 27, 2015. Shirley was born August 26, 1924, to Alice (Dickson) and Robert Swain in Great Falls, Montana. She attended Great Falls schools and graduated from Great Falls High School in 1942, as an Honor Society member. She worked at Monarch Lumber Company and Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph during those years.She married J.R. Bob Bowlin in 1942. They lived in Seaside, Oregon, during WWII while Bob served in the Coast Guard. After the war, they moved back to Great Falls with two daughters. Three more daughters were born in Great Falls.Shirley worked for the YMCA, Girl Scouts of USA, and West Junior High School through the 1950s and 1960s. Shirley, Bob and Adolf Peressini became owners of Swains Spring Service in the 1980s. Shirley was the bookkeeper for the business; they sold it in 1993.Shirley was active in Beta Sigma Phi and Montana Pioneer and Classic Auto Club (Skunkwagon Chapter). She was honored as a lifetime member of the First Presbyterian Church.She loved the out-of-doors, waterskiing, swimming and learning. She was a fun-loving and spirited woman. She was committed to her community, especially its history, and supported it with her time and financial support. Her friends and family will miss her greatly. Knowing her and loving her put smiles on the faces of many people.Shirley was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; her niece, Marvilee Fullerton Slack; her brother-in-law, Scotchie Fullerton; and her great-grandson, Steven Vukasin Beck.Her survivors are her five daughters: Terry (Jack) Vukasin of Las Vegas, Nevada; Penny (Bill) Meeks of Geraldine; Carol (Tony) Marino, Wendy Bowlin and Robin (Nick) Checota, all of Missoula; her two sisters, Lorraine (Sam) Samuels of Great Falls and Dorthie Fullerton of Helena. She has eleven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.The family is eternally grateful to the staff of Edgewood Vista for their care and attention for nearly three years. Shirley was content and happy in their midst. Hospice of Missoula was invaluable the last week of her life.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in her name to the University of Great Falls, 1301 20th Street South, Great Falls, MT 59405; the First Presbyterian Church, 1315 Central Avenue, Great Falls, MT 59401; the Cascade County Historical Society, 422 2nd Street South, Great Falls, MT 59405; Preservation Cascade, Inc., 1409 4th Avenue South, Great Falls, MT 59405; or a cause of your choice.A memorial service for Shirley Jean Swain Bowlin, 90, will be held on Sunday, June 7, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church.Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.