Grandma Bowen’s Life History Poem
1938-1948
A bouncing baby girl was born in June of ‘38
The Hemsley family fell in love, but couldn’t pick a name.
They stuck her hand into a hat. She grabbed a piece of paper.
“Nada” was the name she chose, so that’s the name they gave her.
She grew up on the Plano farm with two sisters and two brothers.
She learned to sing, and work, and play from Father and from Mother.
Her friends were always cherished, whether real or “make-believe.”
And at the age of eight she got baptized by Uncle Reed.
1948-1958
Nada loved to go to school each day. She loved to read and write.
One day she cut her long hair short and cried most of the night.
Her patriarchal blessing was bestowed at the age of twelve.
Which promised her a life of love and service performed well.
The family moved to Rexburg where she went to Madison High.
Drama club and dancing is where she spent most of her time.
One day she saw a bright red car. The owner’s name was Garry.
They quickly fell in love and knew that someday they would marry.
1958-1968
While Garry chose to serve a mission, Nada went to school.
She learned to be a teacher at the famous B.Y.U.
Her first class called her “Miss Hemsley,” until her love returned.
After the winter wedding, “Mrs. Bowen’s” name was learned.
They started out in Logan, where Kim and Pam were born.
Then off to Jackson for the summer, working night and morn’.
A few years down in Fresno, then Bates, then Brigham City.
While two more children joined the fun. Their names were Craig and Cindy.
1968-1978
A new job moved their family to a place near Murtaugh Lake.
Where the kids could ride a horse and, in the winter, learn to skate.
Mrs. Bowen served her ward and taught in elementary schools.
Where Pam and Craig passed through her class and learned her classroom rules.
Then opportunity knocked again and soon they moved once more.
To a town called Sugar City, not knowing what’s in store.
A massive flood destroyed their home and many things were lost.
But faith and family kept them strong despite the heavy cost.
1978-1988
The years had quickly come and gone. Soon Kim was on a mission.
And Pam was writing letters to a guy that she was missin’.
But when the Elders both returned, the wedding bells were ringing.
And soon their families welcomed sounds of new born babies singing.
Nada bid farewell to both her Dad and Sister Ruth.
Their passing was a bittersweet reminder of gospel truth.
While serving in the Ricks College Relief Society,
They sent Craig on his mission after a history trip back east.
1988-1998
Another missionary flew the nest as Cindy left for Guam.
She went back for another trip, and this time brought her Mom.
Awards were given for Outstanding Teacher of the Year.
Mrs. Nada Bowen earned the title and the right to cheer!
Her sister Beth joined Dad and Ruth in heavenly reunion.
And soon her Mother followed, adding to the sweet communion.
With empty nests they packed their things and moved up to The Farm.
Where Nada retired with 30 years of memories so warm.
1998-2008
The Idaho Falls Temple had a job for her to do.
With Garry by her side, they served the Lord and people too.
The Farm was sold and tears were shed as memories said goodbye.
They moved closer to the temple and had family nearby.
She gathered Hemsley History and made quilts to pass the time.
They even went to Europe and saw Norway’s fiords sublime.
But Garry’s health was failing; cancer caught them by surprise.
The man she loved was called back home; the hardest of goodbyes.
2008-2018
Her family rallied ‘round her and she traveled quite a bit.
From Rigby down to Utah and Arizona. What a trip!
She lived in Eagle, Idaho for a year, or two, or three.
Then settled down in Bountiful close to Cindy’s Family.
Her family keeps on growing, adding members every year.
She loves to see their faces as they fill her with great cheer.
Her life of love and service is a blessing to us all.
Happy Birthday, Grandma Bunny! We love you most of all!
