Elaine Bowen

Helen "Elaine" Bowen, 97, of Twin Falls died Friday, February 16, 2024 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born November 14, 1926 in Alliance, Nebraska to John D Hofferber and Eugenia C (Laing) Hofferber. 

Elaine graduated in 1944 from Washburn High School in Minneapolis, Minnesota and met the love of her life, Harold O (HOB) Bowen, at the U.S.O Club where she sang. They married in the Lake Harriet Methodist Church in Minnesota on 23 February 1946.  They moved to Utah where their first two children were born and then moved to Idaho where they brought four more children into the world. In April 1977, her husband began his own construction company, HOBCO, where she was the office administrator from which they both retired April 1991. 

During her life, Elaine and HOB, enjoyed spending time as avid bowlers, golfers and playing bridge all while raising a family together. Elaine had been a member of P.E.O. since 1999, a philanthropic organization for women. She was a longtime member of United Methodist Church where she participated in church activities for over 50 years, a soprano in the choir and helped in the office. In addition to having a beautiful voice, music was always a love of hers as she served for nearly two decades as the President of the Magic Valley Symphony League. 

She loved her family, traveling and visiting with her friends.  Bridge became her passion, playing multiple times per week. Holidays were especially important to her where she prepared a home cooked meal to highlight these family gatherings. Elaine was always kind spirited and generous to others and on occasion she was frank with her opinions and said what was on her mind. 

Survivors include children Mark (Lillian) Bowen of Nampa, Mary Jane (Sean) Thompson of Meridian, Laura (Bob) Newbry of South Lake Tahoe, Lisa (Paul) Maxwell of Twin Falls and daughter-in-law Kathy Bowen of Moreno Valley, CA. Nine grandchildren Emily Bowen, Brett Witherspoon, Sarah (Matt) Brawley, Angela (Nick) Labrum, Adam Bowen, Christopher (Kelli) Newbry, Nicole Bessard, Benjamin (Taylynn) Maxwell and Lauren Maxwell along with Nine great-grandchildren.  

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Ralph L. Hofferber, husband Harold O. Bowen, son James R. Bowen and daughter Janet E. Witherspoon. 

The service will be held on February 24, 2024 at the Twin Falls First United Methodist Church with a viewing at 10:00 am and the service at 11:00 am located at 360 Shoshone St. E. Twin Falls, Idaho. 

The family suggests that memorial contributions in honor of Elaine Bowen can be given to the Twin Falls First United Methodist Church Scholarship Fund or may be made to Cottey College which is supported by PEO to further women in education. 

Cottey College

1000 W. Austin Blvd

Nevada, MO 64772