Jewel Bowgren

Jewel A. BowgrenAge 92 of Wasco, Illinois, died Sunday evening, February 10, 2008. Having become suddenly ill at her daughter’s home in South Carolina, Jewel was admitted to the McCall Hospice House in Simpsonville, SC where she passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love and prayers of her family.BORN / EARLY YEARSJewel was born June 16, 1915 in Wasco, IL, the daughter of Herbert John and Zilpha Katherine (Lake) Brown. She grew up in the Wasco area and graduated from St. Charles High School. Jewel’s parents owned and operated the famous Farm Restaurant near Wasco. Working there as a waitress, Jewel came to know everyone in the community as people came from far and wide to "The Farm". MARRIAGE & FAMILYOn June 26, 1940 Jewel was united in marriage to Clifton A. Bowgren in Wayne, IL. They made their home near Wasco where they farmed for many years. Later, after their daughters were grown, Jewel returned to her work as a waitress at the Little Traveler in Geneva. There she re-connected with old friends and made many new ones as well. She especially enjoyed the camaraderie she shared with other waitresses in a little group they called "The Pinkies", named after the familiar pink uniforms they all wore. Truly, the joy of Jewel’s life was entertaining. Whether family, friends from card clubs, the Farmer’s Club or church, she welcomed them all to her home where countless memories were made through the years. Following Clif’s passing in 1992, Jewel came to make her home with her daughters Joy in Geneva and Gay in South Carolina. No matter where she made her home, Jewel attended church with her daughters. When in Geneva, she attended the Geneva United Methodist Church and in Greenville, she worshipped at the Overbrook Gospel Chapel. MEMBERSHIPSIn earlier years, she and Clif attended Wasco Baptist Church and were members of the LaFox Farmer’s Club and Jewel was active in the Wasco Ladies Aid Society. SURVIVORS She is survived by two daughters:Gay (Alex) Fields of Greenville, South Carolina;And Joy (Gregg) Nelson of Geneva, IL;Eleven grandchildren:Alexander Fields Andrew FieldsAaron Fields Alan Fields Michael (Holly) Cole, David (Rebecca) Cole andJason Cole;Tim Nelson, Jamie (Rick) Razum,Kristina (Brad) Wendell andTom Nelson;Two great grandchildrenLauren Cole andKatherine ColeTwo sisters-in-lawGladys Olson and Bernice Bowgren.As well as many nieces and nephews.PRECEDED She is preceded in death by her parents, Bert and Zilpha Brown her husband, Clifton Bowgren, their daughter and son-in-law, Jan and Stephen Cole,and one brother, John L. Brown.MEMORIAL A memorial has been established in Jewel’s name to benefit the Garfield Farm Museum and the Gideon Bible Society as well as other favorite charities. Memorials checks may be made to the Jewel Bowgren Memorial and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Tributes and memories may also be forwarded to the family at the same address or through her obituary at www.conleycare.com. For information you may also call 630-365-6414.

Her visitation will be held Saturday, February 16 from 3-5pm at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn. Funeral services will follow at 5:15pm. Alex Fields, Jewel’s son-in-law will officiate.

Interment services will conclude at Garfield Cemetery, Garfield Road, Campton Twp. on Monday, February 18, 2008 at 10am