M. Elaine Bowers

m. bowers

May 16, 1926 ~ August 7, 2026

Born in: Princeton , IL
Resided in: Princeton, IL

M. Elaine Bowers, 100, of Princeton, IL, passed away in the early morning hours of Friday, August 7, 2026, at Liberty Village of Princeton.

Elaine was born on May 16, 1926, in Princeton, IL, the daughter of Ernest Urdman and Margaret Verda (Yarrington) Burress. Elaine lived in Tiskilwa, IL, from birth until 1991, when she moved to Princeton to care for her mother.

Elaine married G. Dudley Bowers on May 31, 1946, at the Tiskilwa Methodist Church. He preceded her in death on August 29, 2011.

She attended Bradley University following her graduation from Tiskilwa High School with the Class of 1944. Elaine worked in the medical field for most of her adult life. She was a former member of Tiskilwa Methodist Church, Tiskilwa Mennonite Church, and First Baptist Church in Princeton. Elaine was a current member of Hampshire Colony Church in Princeton.

She was a charter member of the Tiskilwa Historical Society and an active participant and historical resource for two decades. Elaine was an avid reader and enjoyed keeping up with current affairs. She had a wealth of knowledge that she willingly shared to the benefit of many. Her greatest joy came from interactions with friends and family. On her 100th birthday, over 50 relatives and more than 100 friends gathered to celebrate her!

Elaine is survived by her sons, Rodney Bowers of Cuba, IL, and Gregory (Gail) Bowers of Tiskilwa; grandson, Andrew (Alison) Bowers of Crawfordsville, IN; granddaughter-in-law, Jennifer Bowers of Lewistown, IL; great-grandchildren, Amilia Mummert, Matthew, Brody, Anna, and Adalynn Bowers; and great-great-granddaughters, Raina and Mia Mummert. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Charles Burress; sister, Betty Rosecrans; daughter-in-law, Nancy Bowers; and grandsons, Brian and Branden Bowers.

Memorial visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the Memorial Service at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Grant-Johnson Funeral Home in Princeton, with Pastor Michael Freeman officiating. Burial of cremated remains will be held at a later date in Mount Bloom Cemetery in Tiskilwa. Cremation rites have been accorded.

Memorials may be directed to the Tiskilwa Historical Society or Hampshire Colony Church.

Elaine summed up her life: “Thanks to many friends over the years who have made life interesting, fun, and easier, I leave with a smile in my heart.”

Services

Memorial Visitation: Saturday, August 22, 2026 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Grant-Johnson Funeral Home
30 West Mechanic Street
Princeton , IL 61356


Memorial Service : Saturday, August 22, 2026 2:00 pm

Grant-Johnson Funeral Home
30 West Mechanic Street
Princeton , IL 61356


View current weather.

Charities

The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in M. Elaine Bowers 's name.

Hampshire Colony Church

604 S Church Street

Princeton ,

IL

61356

Tiskilwa Historical Society

110 East Main Street P.O. Box 87

Tiskilwa ,

IL

61368

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. A wonderful lady and person, happy to know her as a relative and enjoyed many conversations with her and Dudley thru the years. We visited with her this past November, and she was still doing well at the time. I used to call her every week and enjoyed every minute of our conversations. We will long remember her and will miss our conversations. While I always considered her an Aunt, we were cousins. May peace be with you as you well deserve it!

    John Bowers, MSgt USAF, RET>
    Okinawa, Japan


Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle