Shirley M. Bowers

Shirley Marlene (Wilson) Bowers, 73, of Beckett Ridge passed away quietly on Thursday, February 12, 2026 after a brief, intense battle with lung cancer. SHE was born on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 1952 in Cincinnati, Ohio to the late Ernest Eugene Wilson and Darlene (Brummett) Nicely.

She is survived by her husband of 33 years Robert, daughter April (Morgan) Renaker, son-in-law Greg, brother David (Pamela) Wilson, granddaughter Jamisyn, stepsons Jonathan, Patrick, Alexander and Ian Bowers, 8 step-grandchildren; stepsisters Kathy (Nicely) Runyan and Karen (Nicely) Noble; stepbrothers, Paul Nicely and Byron Dawson, two aunts and numerous step-nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her brother Darrell of Houston, TX and long-time friend Fran Rabe of Lexington. Shirley grew up in Ohio, often spending summers in Kentucky staying with her grandparents, Shelby and Eva Brummett & Lewey and Mary Wilson of Nancy, KY. She was referred as “Doll” by her grandfather Lewey and could do no wrong in his eyes. As a child, she went to church with her mother and brothers every Sunday, mainly at High Point Baptist Church. She would come to discover, and would later be thankful for, the Lord’s presence, always being there watching over her.

She was a graduate of 1971 Princeton High School and remained active on the alumni committee. She also enjoyed arranging luncheons for “the girls” several times a year.

She moved to Stanford, Kentucky after graduating from high school, living there for over a decade before starting a family and building a house. Shirley was faced with being both mother and father for most of April’s childhood. She and April moved to Somerset and Lexington before returning to Ohio.

Shirley’s life was one built of grit and determination. She worked hard for the life they had, striving to be independent. She endured much hardship in her early days, never wanting her family to go through what she had. She worked several different jobs, but her experiences as a medical transcriptionist were what she talked about most. She was also self-employed in her house cleaning business.

A new stage of life would begin in 1992 when she became acquainted with a divorced father of four sons. His name was Bob and was the first one she heard April call “Dad”. April became friends with his sons prior to them meeting and spent a lot of time hanging around with the Bowers family. Shirley and Bob met and, after a short courtship, fell in love and were married in Blue Ash on March 27, 1993 on the same day they moved into their first house together. Their wedding was a small and intimate ceremony outdoors on the deck, surrounded by a small group of loved ones gathered to help them move. Travelling to Maine and England were among her favorite vacations. But her absolute favorite was the Hawaiian Islands, making 6 visits over the years.

Shirley’s passions included their recently departed cat, Norm, cooking and gardening. Losing Norm, who held a special place in their hearts, during her illness took a toll on her beyond measure. Cooking up to her last day gave her great pleasure and peace. When stopping by for a visit you’d know you’re not leaving hungry and would be asked “Did you bring any containers?”. Her collection of cooking implements would be the envy of any 5-star restaurant. She loved to cook for her family on holidays, especially Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Every year her garden was a delight….if she could beat the neighborhood critters to the harvest.

She was also the lead singer in a cover band in Lexington, Kentucky for some time and could serenade anyone in the car.

Each year she would look forward to Halloween, which she enjoyed dressing up as a witch to pass out candy to the kids in the neighborhood. During the month of December A Christmas Story would be the most watched on her TV.

Shirley was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, taking pride in knowing her ancestor fought for this Republic.

A memorial gathering will be held Thursday, February 19th from 6:00-7:00PM at the Hodapp Funeral Home, 8815 Cincinnati Columbus Road, West Chester, OH 45069.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a Memorial Contribution to the American Cancer Society in Shirley’s name.