Daphne Bowers

Our angel mother, Daphne K Thornley Bowers, 82, passed away on July 23, 2023 surrounded by family after a 12-year struggle with dementia. She was born November 18, 1940, in American Falls, Idaho at Schiltz Memorial hospital.  She was the first of six children born to Kendell and Rowene (Kujawa) Thornley. She grew up on a potato farm in Aberdeen, Idaho.

At the age of 3, Daphne was riding in the backseat of the family car - a 1939 Oldsmobile. As her mother drove around a corner, the backdoor came open and Daphne fell out, which caused the hearing impairment that she had the rest of her life.  

She was a member of the pep club and graduated in 1959 from Aberdeen High School.

Daphne met Robert Orville Bowers through a mutual friend.  After a short courtship, they were married Aug 3, 1961. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple on Jan. 6, 1970.  They have seven children. They enjoyed their little slice of heaven in the country, where they raised crops and a family.

Daphne enjoyed sewing and quilting – especially baby quilts.  She won many blue ribbons for her quilting talent.  She had friends and family request new blankets. Each of her grandchildren have enjoyed quilts made by her.  One Thanksgiving, she surprised all seven of her children with their own denim blanket.  She kept the secret for a year that she was making each of them a unique quilt using their own used jeans. 

Not to be outdone by her quilting was her ability to bake bread – again winning blue ribbons.  Her children enjoyed bread-baking day.  They would come from school and smell the aroma of fresh baked bread and rolls that would permeate the house.

Sunday drives were a fun pastime for her and Robert, along with playing cards with her children and friends.  When the kids were younger, they went on camping trips to the mountains of Idaho to hunt for rocks. After her dearly beloved passed away, she traveled with friends and family to a variety of fun places.

Daphne was kind hearted and was willing to serve wherever needed. 

She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Almost all her adult life she attended American Falls 1st Ward.  She was the secretary to many Relief Society presidents and Primary presidents.  She was the librarian at the church for quite a while and could be counted on to be on time and stay late, if necessary.

Daphne was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and her youngest brother Dwight.

She leaves behind her brother Tim (Pam) Thornley (Lewiston, Idaho), sisters Suzanne Darby (Independence, Missouri) and Bette Lu (Ryan) Chipp (Idaho Falls, Idaho) and brother Jay (Lewiston, Idaho).  She also says “I’ll see you later” to her children Zena (Rick) Thompson (Burley, Idaho), Randall (LeeAnn) Bowers (Roy, Utah), Marc (Monica) Bowers (Lehi, Utah), Paul (Kelli) Bowers (Pocatello, Idaho), Roberta (Jeff) Bugbee (Lewiston, Idaho), Adam (Wendy) Bowers (Bowling Green, Kentucky) and Jill (Ernie) Eggers (Aberdeen, Idaho).  Her life was blessed with 24 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held on Friday, July 28th from 6 to 7:30 pm at the 3rd and 4th ward building, located at 650 Pocatello Ave, American Falls, Idaho.  Prior to the funeral honoring our mother, there will be a viewing from 9:30-10:15 am, with services to follow at 10:30, on Saturday, July 29th also at the 3rd and 4th ward building.  There will be an interment at Falls View Cemetery.

A special thank you to Janneece Reynolds, Katrina Layman and Enhabit Hospice for their care, support and comforting words during this difficult time.

To order flowers, or to share condolences, memories, and photos, please visit DavisRoseMortuary.com.