Nellie Bowman

Nellie Beuk Bowman, age 84, died peacefully on Monday, June 15, 2015, in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was married for 62 years to the love of her life, Maurice Dwight Bowman of Colonia Dublán, Chihuahua, Mexico. Nellie was born on September 4, 1930, in Hilversum, Netherlands, the fourth of six children. She was the daughter of the late Lourens and Johanna Dinkelman Beuk. Nellie spent her childhood years in Hilversum and later immigrated to Utah in the United States, after being converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Nellie and Maurice moved from Utah to Mexico, where they lived for 51 years, raising nine children. Nellie's life was an example of courage, commitment, determination, and love. She had a vivacious and infectious personality. She was, in her words, a "people person," and she easily made friends wherever she went. She knew just how to put others at ease and help them see the best in themselves. She always made the best of every difficult situation she faced, from frightening experiences during World War II in German-occupied Holland, to deeply challenging economic times in Mexico, to suffering with dementia in the twilight of her life. Nellie had a competitive spirit and excelled at many things, including swimming, where she earned high acclaim in the renowned Dutch swimming system. In her lifetime she learned five languages: Dutch, German, French, English and Spanish. She had a beautiful voice and was a staple in the Dublan 1st ward choir for many decades, where her husband was the director. Nellie was deft in the kitchen, and she could whip up an amazing meal in no time. Her delicious apple pies became famous, along with her hearty Bowman breakfasts. Nellie had a deep love for God and for spiritual things. She was always quick to share her beliefs in a loving and genuine way. She served in many capacities in the Church, including Matron of the Oaxaca Mexico Temple for three years. Her dedication and devotion to the gospel of Jesus Christ and to her husband and family were at the core of everything she did. She is survived by her sisters, Tina Telford (Ralph) of Jupiter, Florida, and Ansje Oliver (DeMoyne) of Taylorsville, Utah; daughters, Patricia Andersen-Vie (Kurt) of Stratford, Connecticut, Terry Bybee (Jack) of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Judy Bowman of Park City, Utah; and sons, Maurice (Rosanne) of Bountiful, Utah, Gary (Laurinda) of Mesa, Arizona, Jonathan (Donna) of Kanab, Utah, Bruce (Lastenia) of Orem, Utah, and Troy (Anne) of Woods Cross, Utah. Her son Stephen (Amy) preceded her in death in 2008, and her husband preceded her in death only three months ago. Nellie left behind 39 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. All are welcome to attend a viewing and greet the family at the Sundberg-Olpin Funeral Home, 495 South State Street, Orem, Utah, on Friday, June 19, 2015, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held the following day, Saturday, June 20, 2015, at 1:00 p.m., with a viewing at 11:30 a.m., at the LDS Chapel located at 575 East 800 North, in Orem, Utah.

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