Maria Elena Leon Bowman, 89 (formerly of San Dimas, California) of Payson, Utah, passed away in her sleep, on December 11, 2019 at her home in Payson. Maria was born on July 12, 1930 in Mexico City, Mexico, to Daniel and Manuela Gonzalez Leon.
Maria’s first job was with an insurance company. She then worked for a lawyer, for a public accountant, and then as a secretary for a trucking company. It was, while working for the trucking company, that she met her sweetheart. Richard M. Bowman, also known as ‘Bo’, was in pilot training for the U.S. Air Force at Laredo Air Force Base, Texas. They met at the base Officer’s Club. They fell in love. But being ‘Bo’ was then in pilot training, Air Force policy dictated that he was not allowed to get married until after graduation. So, Maria and Bo decided to elope across the border to Nuevo, Mexico. They were blessed with two children; Richard Jr. and Linda Lee.
Maria and Bo lived in England for 2 years while Bo was stationed at RAF Woodbridge, where Linda Lee was born.
After Bo left the Air Force, Maria worked as a secretary while Bo went to Indiana University. They eventually moved to Torrance, California in 1961, where they raised their family. They enjoyed camping, hiking and backpacking as a family.
Bo preceded Maria in death on July 31, 1991. Maria, shortly thereafter, moved to San Dimas, California to be near her daughter, Linda Bowman Gavrity.
As her health began to decline, Maria moved to Payson, Utah to love with her son, Richard Bowman Jr., and his family, until her passing on December 11, 2019.
Maria was preceded in death by her husband, Richard ‘Bo’ Bowman; her sister, Sylvia; her brothers Daniel Jr., Fernando, and Sergio; and one grandson Nathaniel Bowman.
She is survived by her children; Rich Bowman Jr, (Leann) of Payson, Utah, and Linda Lee Gavrity (Patrick) of Sun City West, Arizona, 7 grandchildren: Travis and Kristin Gavrity, Melani Bowman Fulwider, Chris, Heather, Jay, and Kip Bowman, siblings: Elva Windisch and Jenny Lyle.
A graveside service will be held for immediate family, on January 8, 2020 at 10 a.m. at the Pacific Crest Cemetery in Redondo Beach, California.
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