Loretta May Bowers, age 98, of Cherokee Village, Arkansas, passed away on Thursday, March 14th in Ash Flat, Arkansas. Loretta was born on September 15th, 1925, in Christian County, Missouri to parents Cy and Addie Rogers.

She was a wonderful homemaker and a very caring mother. During her early years of marriage, she learned to play the guitar. All her children grew up enjoying singing with her while she played and sang. In her spare time, she enjoyed playing golf, bowling, and horseshoes. She won several tournaments and received many trophies, and awards in each sport. She also enjoyed selling Avon back when it was door to door, and it allowed her to meet and make many friends. She was a charter member of First Baptist Church of Cherokee Village. She served in the nursery and taught preschool Sunday school for many years. Her church was very important to her. In her later years, she with her husband created crafts and they travelled to craft shows on weekends in their camper. They enjoyed that time in life as empty nesters. Cherokee Village recognized her at the 60th anniversary celebration of the city as the longest living resident of the village.

Loretta is survived by her daughters Beverly Bowers of Ash Flat, Arkansas, Barbara Webb of Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas, Bonnie Davis of Lamar, Arkansas, and Jenna Deckard of Cherokee Village, Arkansas; son Jim Long of Evening Shade, Arkansas; stepsons Paul and Ron Bowers; stepdaughter Nannett Collison; 23 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.

Loretta is preceded in death by her husband James Bowers; her parents; stepson Larry Bowers, as well as 5 grandchildren.

Services for Mrs. Loretta will be held on Monday, March 18th at First Baptist Church of Cherokee Village, with visitation being held from 5:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. and funeral services beginning at 6:00 P.M. Interment will be held at Eastlawn Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri at 11:00 A.M on Tuesday, March 19th.