Marthabelle Bowman

Marthabelle “Mickey” Bowman, 96 of Benton Harbor, passed away August 2, 2020 at West Woods of Bridgman. A private family burial will be scheduled at a later date at Crystal Springs Cemetery, Benton Harbor with Pastor Tom Bird officiating. Memorials may be made to Berrien Community Foundation or Lakeland Health Foundation. Those wishing to sign Mickey’s Memory Book may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services. Mickey was born January 21, 1924 in Benton Harbor, MI to Homer and Esther (McDonald) Rosback. She graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1942 and went on to Nursing School. On December 9, 1943, she married Vere Bowman at the Methodist Peace Temple in Benton Harbor. Mickey was a tireless volunteer; she started The Mercy Hospital Auxiliary. She was President and Board Member of MHA. She was the first woman appointed to the Board of Directors of Mercy Memorial Hospital and continued to be a lifelong member when it became Lakeland Regional Hospital. Mickey was also on the board of Berrien Community Foundation for many years. She was the secretary to the Board of Directors for F.P. Rosback Co., her family’s business. In her free time Mickey, enjoyed yard work, gardening and traveling with her family. Mickey’s favorite place was Berrien Hills Country Club, where she could be found golfing on the Tuesday 9 Hole and Thursday Working Woman Leagues and socializing with friends. After Vere’s passing, she reconnected with an old friend Ken Sink. Together they spent many years wintering in Florida. You could always expect to see them Friday night at Grande Mere Inn with a martini in hand. Mickey is survived by her children, Ron (Marcia) Bowman of Benton Harbor, Larry “Moose” (June) Bowman of St. Joseph and Sandi (Paul Miller) Bowman of New Troy; grandchildren, Jami, Joelle, Tom, Brooke, Britney, Brent and Kori; along with 12 great grandchildren. Mickey was preceded in death by her parents, husband Vere and companion Ken Sink.