Loretta Mae (Hudson) Bowerman

September 1, 1939 ~ March 21, 2018 

Loretta Mae Bowerman of Barryton, MI formerly of Holt, passed away March 21, 2018.

Loretta was born on September 1, 1939 at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing to Darrell and Blanche Hudson.

Loretta graduated from Eastern High School class of 1957 and on September 14, 1957 she married Gale D. Bowerman at Mt. Hope Methodist Church in Lansing.

She retired from Michigan Bell in 1993 and moved to Barryton, MI to enjoy living by the water where they could fish and enjoy a peaceful, quiet retirement.

Loretta and Gale loved to travel and had the opportunity to travel to Mississippi, Missouri and Florida to watch their grandson play baseball. For their 50th wedding anniversary, their children surprised them with a family trip to Hawaii and Loretta would often talk of what a wonderful time she had.

Loretta and Gale purchased a home in Zephyrhills, FL where they spent sixteen years during the winter months. Loretta loved to play bingo and attend the various shows the park had to offer. She also looked forward to 3:00 coffee with all the neighbors and they of course solved all the world’s problems. She was an avid Tigers Baseball fan and watched them faithfully every year.

Loretta loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. She looked forward to the holidays when everyone would go to their home. Loretta was a wonderful cook and her family especially loved her cinnamon rolls, chop suey, beef roasts and homemade macaroni and cheese. She also loved watching her grandkids play sports and went to as many school functions as possible. She was so proud of her grandkids and what wonderful adults they had become.

Loretta was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. She lost her best friend and love of her life Gale on November 28, 2017. Loretta is survived by her daughter, Colleen Horstmyer; son, Kirt Bowerman; grandson, Joshua Horstmyer; granddaughter, Rebecca (Luke) Massie; brother, Darrell Hudson; and many nieces, nephews, and four grand dogs, Iverson who had a special place in her heart, Dexter, Koba, and Riley.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved, Gale; son, Bryan; son-in-law, Lee Horstmyer; sisters, Marjory Simmons and Beverly Blakeslee; and sister-in-law, Kathy Hudson.

The family would like to thank the Sparrow Hospice staff and a special thank you to Hospice nurse, Terry Mitchell who was wonderful in caring for Loretta and a tremendous source of help and comfort to the family.

They would also like to thank Loretta’s sister-in-law, Cheryl Brock and brother-in-law, Tom Brock for their help and support.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Sparrow Hospice or St. Judes Children’s Hospital.

The Memorial Service will be conducted by Rev. Dr. Marilyn V. Danielson at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 24, 2018 at the Lehman Funeral Home, 210 E. Bridge Street, Portland. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral chapel. A luncheon will immediately follow the service at the Portland V.F.W. Post #4090, 1324 E. Bridge Street, Portland. Arrangements are entrusted to Lehman Funeral Homes.