Elizabeth A. Bower age 86 of Colon, passed away on Friday, November 1, 2024, at Brookdale Assisted Living in Portage, Michigan.

Elizabeth was born on October 20, 1938, in Marshall, Michigan, a daughter to the late Manley and Frances (Noneman) VanVoorhees. Elizabeth moved to Colon in middle school, coming from Mattawan.

On February 14, 1959, Elizabeth married her husband of 64 years Richard C. Bower at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Colon. Richard preceded Elizabeth in death on June 8, 2023.

Elizabeth worked as an RN at the Colon Medical Clinic for many years. She was also a paramedic on the Colon Rescue Squad. After her time at the clinic Elizabeth worked as a diabetic counselor at Sturgis Hospital. She was pivotal in getting the diabetic program up and running. Elizabeth was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, St. Paul's Quilting Club, the Red Hatters, and the local Colon card club. Although not a member she worked closely and participated with the Colon Historical Society.

Surviving Elizabeth are her children: Anne Bower of Kalamazoo, and David (Katie) Bower of Dewitt, grandchildren: Kyle Jager of Detroit, Justin (Anna) Jager of Austin, Texas, Trent Bower of Dewitt, Kelcie (Bower) Morgan and Andrew Morgan  of Mason, great grandchildren: Jack, Mia, Lily Jager and another (Morgan boy) on the way, her sister Frances "Frannie" (Ted) Koehl, and many nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents Manley and Frances VanVoorhees, and her husband Richard C. Bower, Elizabeth was preceded in death by an infant daughter Cheryl Lynn Bower.

The Bower family will receive friends and relatives from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the Schipper Funeral Home LTD. on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 and again from 10:00 AM -11:00 AM Thursday, November 7, 2024 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church.  A funeral service honoring Elizabeth will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Colon: 484 S Burr Oak Rd, Colon, MI 49040. Interment will follow in Lakeside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family asks memorial donations be directed to either the Colon Rescue Squad or St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Envelopes will be available at both the funeral home and church.