White Sulphur Springs-Ella Jo Bowen passed away on Friday, Aug. 7, 2015, at the age of 22.
It is amazing how Ella’s tiny frame could hold such a huge heart and big laugh. As a licensed dog trainer, she did more than train; she saved many dogs’ lives by finding them homes. As a friend, daughter, granddaughter, aunt, and sister, she opened our hearts and sometimes even our minds to see the beauty in those things a little off-center. And with that laugh that everyone who knows her just heard in their minds and hearts, she brightened our lives. When most of the world prefers neutrals and solids, she fancied the loud and leopard print. Her love was deep and true, as is our love for her.
She was preceded in death by her father, Wannis (Rick) Bowen, and her grandmother, Ella Susan Houchins.
She is survived by: her mother, Pam Bowen; brother, Wannis Bowen III; sister, Malary Craft; grandparents, Les and Joan Gwinn and Wannis and Patricia Bowen; aunts, Debbie Gwinn and Laura Bowen Coffelt; brother-in-law, Nathan Craft; sister-in-law, Heather Bowen; cousins, Haley Love and Erin Collins; nephews, Gavin and Liam Craft; niece, Miriam Bowen; and last, but certainly not least, her dogs, Mango and Ewa.
The wake was held at Greenbrier Valley Baptist Church in White Sulphur Springs on Tuesday, Aug. 11, followed by a service. There was a private family burial service in Wayside that evening.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Greenbrier Humane Society or Oakhurst Outreach.
Shanklin Funeral Home, White Sulphur Springs, is serving the family.
