Rita Mae Bowsher Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Rita M. Bowsher, 89, of Kankakee, passed away September 22, 2018 at Presence St. Mary’s Hospital. She was born October 14, 1928 in Kankakee to M.D. and Charlotte (Geisinger) Beasley. Rita married Robert J. Bowsher December 29, 1947 and he died June 1991. Beyond the activities of her busy family, Rita spent the majority of her life dedicated to a variety of charitable and philanthropic efforts. As a very young mother she organized and participated in door to door collections for March of Dimes. She held all offices and remained active in the Women’s Club of America organization for more than 68 years. She was a founding member/director of the Harbor House Women’s Shelter for many years, even lobbying in Springfield for funding to get the program started. She played a similar role as one of the first organizers/directors for the Kankakee Valley Hospice program. From its beginning she was very actively involved in all of their annual fundraising projects. She was also very involved in Asbury United Methodist church, her church of 90 years. She served on numerous boards throughout the years and supported youth programs throughout. Rita was extremely artistic and a very talented decorator. As a mother, she vigorously supported the activities of her four (4) children. Rita is survived by a son and daughter-in-law; Steven (Janet) Bowsher of Wind Point, WI, 2 daughters; Becky B. Shea of Lombard, Christine J. Orenbas of Bradley and a son-in-law Kevin Kupper. Also surviving are 7 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren, a sister-in-law; Marge Bowsher, many nieces, nephews and friends she accumulated over the years. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a daughter, Holly Kupper and a son-in-law, Daniel Shea, A visitation will be 4-8 pm, Friday, October 12, 2018 at Schreffler Funeral Home, Kankakee Chapel and 9-10 am Saturday, October 13, 2018 at Asbury United Methodist Church. The funeral will be 10 am October 13, 2018 at Asbury United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Kankakee Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to Harbor House, Hospice of Kankakee Valley or Asbury United Methodist Church. Please sign her guestbook at www.schrefflerfuneralhomes.com

Rita Mae Bowsher

October 14, 1928 - September 23, 2018

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