With great love and respect, the family of Helen M. Bowlyou, 91, acknowledges her passing on April 28, 2012 at Oak Lane Nursing & Rehab Center. She was born September 4, 1920 in Dallas City, IL, the eldest child of Roy and Florence Peeler Eaves. On October 24, 1939, she married Charles Earl Bowlyou in Kahoka, MO. She and her husband lived in Aledo, then Monmouth.

Her career started, after raising five sons, as an associate buyer for the Style Shops and Honard Von Maur. She loved gardening and visiting with her neighbors in Monmouth. She was a former of the Eastern Star in Aledo, and a supportive member of the Carman United Methodist Church. She and her husband retired to their family farm in rural Lomax where she and her sons created a beautiful sanctuary for all to enjoy. There were many family gatherings at her farm. Her patriotism was enhanced by her brothers and sons that served in the military.

Survivors include five sons- Cary (Judy) Bowlyou of Pleasant Valley, IA., Charles (Sue) Bowlyou and Richard (Linda) Bowlyou of rural Lomax, IL., Lynn (Linda) Bowlyou of Aledo, IL., Byron (Shelly) Bowlyou of Chetek, WI., thirteen grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, five brothers- Guy Eaves of Fountain Green, IL., Jerry (Nancy) Eaves of Memphis, MO., Lester (Patty) Eaves of Niota, IL., Jack (Kay) Eaves and Richard (Becky) Eaves of Fort Madison, IA., two sisters- Imogene (Don) Hodges of Fort Madison, IA., Linda (Tom) Neuendorf of Donnellson, IA., numerous loving nieces and nephews, and her extended family at Oak Lane.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, two sisters- Ruby Pickard and Betty Scott, and four brothers- Mike, Pat, Vernon and Billy Eaves.

Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday May 1, 2012 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst. The funeral for Mrs Bowlyou will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday May 2, 2012 in the Carman United Methodist Church with Rev. Anita Munden officiating. Burial will be in the Carman Cemetery. Memorials have been established for the Carman United Methodist Church and Oak Lane Nursing & Rehab.