Mabel Cotton Bowman passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home at River Ridge Assisted Living in Billings, Montana on the morning of August 6th. She had been a resident there for the last three years. She will be long remembered for her generous nature, her kind heart, and her witty spirit, which would often bring a complementing sparkle to the eyes of all those around her.
Mabel was born on January 12, 1926 in Miles City, Montana, the youngest of five children born to Severt and Frances Tucker Mogen. She grew up on the family homestead on Home Creek in the Ashland area, and attended grade school at the Willow Crossing and the Ashland schools. She graduated from Rosebud High School in 1943, then attended Billings Business College, and was employed in Billings until her marriage to James “Jimmy” Cotton on December 28, 1944. After Jim’s discharge from the Navy in 1946, they bought a farm and lived in the Kalispell area. During that time Mabel was employed as office manager for the J.C. Penny’s store. She often joked about how, rather than computers, the paper transactions, money and messages flew back and forth in jars-on-wheels as they dangled from wires suspended throughout the store. In 1952 Mabel and Jimmy moved to Miles City where she was employed with the Tractor and Equipment Company as bookkeeper. Jimmy passed away in 1960, and when T&E transferred their offices to Billing in 1964, she moved to Billings as well, continuing to work for them there for many more years. Mabel married William “Bill” Bowman in 1969 and they built their new home in Billings Heights. Bill passed away in 1975.
Mabel retired in 1991, continuing to live in the Heights till the time of her death. She was an active member of the Saint Bernard’s Parish there from the time of its inception in 1972, and cherished the special friends with whom she shared her faith. She enjoyed volunteering in their Senior Volunteer Program, and travelling with her family and friends. Mabel had no children of her own but, in her words, “felt very blessed to have nieces and nephews who were loving and supportive”. She had many treasured memories of the years that she lived near her great-niece, Heidi, and her little family. And special thanks to Kathy, who unfailingly drove her to and from her hair appointment every Wednesday at 1:00 to see her friend, Nettie.
Mabel is survived by her many nieces and nephews, along with their children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, Jimmy and Bill, and her four siblings: Bob (Mildred) Mogen, Marie (Ace) Findlay, Harold (Thelma) Mogen, and Clara (Harry) Phillips. She thanks her many friends, and also her doctors, nurses, and caretakers who were so much a part of her life over the last three years.
Service Schedule
Visitation
12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Friday August 19, 2016
St. Bernard's Catholic Parish
226 Wicks Lane
Billings, Montana 59015
Mass of Christian Burial
2:00 PM
Friday August 19, 2016
St. Bernard's Catholic Church
226 Wicks Lane
Billings, Montana 59103
Rite of Committal
2:00 PM
Saturday August 20, 2016
Calvary Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Friday August 19, 2016
St. Bernard's Catholic Parish
226 Wicks Lane
Billings, Montana 59015
Mass of Christian Burial
2:00 PM
Friday August 19, 2016
St. Bernard's Catholic Church
226 Wicks Lane
Billings, Montana 59103
Rite of Committal
2:00 PM
Saturday August 20, 2016
Calvary Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
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A. G. Hoffman says
Mabel was one of the sweetest, good-hearted, funny, witty (and take-no-nonsense-from-you!) people I ever met. Dressed to the ‘nines’ every day, and impeccably coifed. I worked with Mabel many years ago, early 90’s. She is THEE epitome of class, grace, style. What a lovely human. I will miss her.
Heid Bieber says
Mabel was truly a remarkable human being and wonderful great aunt to my daughters and I. We have numerous, joyful memories of Aunt Mabel, over the years when the girls were young, and living in Billings, Montana. She was full of kindness and laughter. We treasure those times and will miss her dearly.
Wendy Cirimele says
Mabel will always be remembered as one of the sweetest, thoughtfulness, most loving ladies you would want to have around. She would always be there ready to help wherever needed with a smile, and always had the most kind words to say to everyone. We have been so Blessed to have her a part of our lives and our church and activities, which were many from St. Christopher ‘s Circle, and helping to fold bulletin (when we did that), funeral luncheons and so many in other things you would see Mabel there with her beautiful smile and always willing to help. She definitely was a special part of our lives and will be missed. Maybel was wonderful example of how we should live our lives and we know that the beautiful memories we have will always be a special place in our hearts. May you rest in peace and in the arm ls of our Lord Jesus Christ. We love you….God Bless you always!
Scott Cotton says
Aunt Mabel and Uncle Jim were a huge part of our lives as young kids. My dad Art and Uncle Jim were always close. They were partners on our ranch at first and when Uncle Jim passed in 1960 mom and dad were getting a divorce shortly after. After she moved to Billings, we did not here much. With much Love. Scott Cotton.