Phyllis Marie Ackerson Bower passed away Sunday October 4th in the same way she lived: beautifully, peacefully and with family close by. She was born August 16, 1927 in Culver, Ind to Lewis and Dalta (Bennett) Hatten.
In a life spanning 93 years she attended college at the Herron School of Art in Indianapolis, traveled the world, tap danced into her 70s and inspired 3 generations of artists.
Phyllis was a devoted and fun-loving wife to WWII air navigator and Goshen bank executive Cedric Ackerson until his passing in 1979.
To her son and daughter, she was more than a mom; she was an inspiration, an unfailing friend, trusted confidante and a playful co-conspirator.
She later wed Ralph Bower, area business owner and wood carver. Together they were patrons of the arts, and many of Ralph's wood carvings can be viewed at the Midwest Museum of Art as part of its permanent collection.
A true steward of the environment and eternal nature lover, Phyllis was a master gardener and a magnet for four-leaf clovers. She was a compassionate companion to all "critters" great and small.
Her words of wisdom will always ring true: "Always leave things better than you found them."
Phyllis is survived by a daughter, Nina (Don Mishler) Newburn, a step-daughter Jan (Ed) Dovey; three grandchildren, Anna (Evan) Parker, John (Victoria Greising) Newburn and Lonnie Newburn; two step-grandchildren, Robin (Chris) Mishler and Jade (Jose) Mishler Madrid; four great-grandchildren, Josephine, Reeves, Ines and Hattie; and a brother, Creighton Hatten.
She was preceded in death by both husbands, Cedric Ackerson and Ralph Bower; son Scott Ackerson; three step-sons, Brent, Anton and Joel Bower and a brother, Phocian Hatten.
A celebration of her life may be viewed at www.PhyllisAckersonBower.com.
No services are planned at this time. Memorial donations in Phyllis' name may be made to the Humane Society and World Wildlife Fund.
Yoder-Culp Funeral Home
In a life spanning 93 years she attended college at the Herron School of Art in Indianapolis, traveled the world, tap danced into her 70s and inspired 3 generations of artists.
Phyllis was a devoted and fun-loving wife to WWII air navigator and Goshen bank executive Cedric Ackerson until his passing in 1979.
To her son and daughter, she was more than a mom; she was an inspiration, an unfailing friend, trusted confidante and a playful co-conspirator.
She later wed Ralph Bower, area business owner and wood carver. Together they were patrons of the arts, and many of Ralph's wood carvings can be viewed at the Midwest Museum of Art as part of its permanent collection.
A true steward of the environment and eternal nature lover, Phyllis was a master gardener and a magnet for four-leaf clovers. She was a compassionate companion to all "critters" great and small.
Her words of wisdom will always ring true: "Always leave things better than you found them."
Phyllis is survived by a daughter, Nina (Don Mishler) Newburn, a step-daughter Jan (Ed) Dovey; three grandchildren, Anna (Evan) Parker, John (Victoria Greising) Newburn and Lonnie Newburn; two step-grandchildren, Robin (Chris) Mishler and Jade (Jose) Mishler Madrid; four great-grandchildren, Josephine, Reeves, Ines and Hattie; and a brother, Creighton Hatten.
She was preceded in death by both husbands, Cedric Ackerson and Ralph Bower; son Scott Ackerson; three step-sons, Brent, Anton and Joel Bower and a brother, Phocian Hatten.
A celebration of her life may be viewed at www.PhyllisAckersonBower.com.
No services are planned at this time. Memorial donations in Phyllis' name may be made to the Humane Society and World Wildlife Fund.
Yoder-Culp Funeral Home
Phyllis Marie Ackerson Bower passed away Sunday October 4th in the same way she lived: beautifully, peacefully and with family close by. She was born August 16, 1927 in Culver, Ind to Lewis and Dalta (Bennett) Hatten.
In a life spanning 93 years she attended college at the Herron School of Art in Indianapolis, traveled the world, tap danced into her 70s and inspired 3 generations of artists.
Phyllis was a devoted and fun-loving wife to WWII air navigator and Goshen bank executive Cedric Ackerson until his passing in 1979.
To her son and daughter, she was more than a mom; she was an inspiration, an unfailing friend, trusted confidante and a playful co-conspirator.
She later wed Ralph Bower, area business owner and wood carver. Together they were patrons of the arts, and many of Ralph's wood carvings can be viewed at the Midwest Museum of Art as part of its permanent collection.
A true steward of the environment and eternal nature lover, Phyllis was a master gardener and a magnet for four-leaf clovers. She was a compassionate companion to all "critters" great and small.
Her words of wisdom will always ring true: "Always leave things better than you found them."
Phyllis is survived by a daughter, Nina (Don Mishler) Newburn, a step-daughter Jan (Ed) Dovey; three grandchildren, Anna (Evan) Parker, John (Victoria Greising) Newburn and Lonnie Newburn; two step-grandchildren, Robin (Chris) Mishler and Jade (Jose) Mishler Madrid; four great-grandchildren, Josephine, Reeves, Ines and Hattie; and a brother, Creighton Hatten.
She was preceded in death by both husbands, Cedric Ackerson and Ralph Bower; son Scott Ackerson; three step-sons, Brent, Anton and Joel Bower and a brother, Phocian Hatten.
A celebration of her life may be viewed at www.PhyllisAckersonBower.com.
No services are planned at this time. Memorial donations in Phyllis' name may be made to the Humane Society and World Wildlife Fund.
Yoder-Culp Funeral Home
In a life spanning 93 years she attended college at the Herron School of Art in Indianapolis, traveled the world, tap danced into her 70s and inspired 3 generations of artists.
Phyllis was a devoted and fun-loving wife to WWII air navigator and Goshen bank executive Cedric Ackerson until his passing in 1979.
To her son and daughter, she was more than a mom; she was an inspiration, an unfailing friend, trusted confidante and a playful co-conspirator.
She later wed Ralph Bower, area business owner and wood carver. Together they were patrons of the arts, and many of Ralph's wood carvings can be viewed at the Midwest Museum of Art as part of its permanent collection.
A true steward of the environment and eternal nature lover, Phyllis was a master gardener and a magnet for four-leaf clovers. She was a compassionate companion to all "critters" great and small.
Her words of wisdom will always ring true: "Always leave things better than you found them."
Phyllis is survived by a daughter, Nina (Don Mishler) Newburn, a step-daughter Jan (Ed) Dovey; three grandchildren, Anna (Evan) Parker, John (Victoria Greising) Newburn and Lonnie Newburn; two step-grandchildren, Robin (Chris) Mishler and Jade (Jose) Mishler Madrid; four great-grandchildren, Josephine, Reeves, Ines and Hattie; and a brother, Creighton Hatten.
She was preceded in death by both husbands, Cedric Ackerson and Ralph Bower; son Scott Ackerson; three step-sons, Brent, Anton and Joel Bower and a brother, Phocian Hatten.
A celebration of her life may be viewed at www.PhyllisAckersonBower.com.
No services are planned at this time. Memorial donations in Phyllis' name may be made to the Humane Society and World Wildlife Fund.
Yoder-Culp Funeral Home
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