Audra P. Bowman, age 84, of West Alexandria, passed away Friday night, December 10, 2010 following an extended illness. Born February 6, 1926, she was a daughter of the late Dorsey & Lilly (McClure) Bryant. Mrs. Bowman was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Eaton where she was named Mother of the Year in 2005. She retired after 30 years from the Inland Division of General Motors and was a member of the Inland Retirees Club. A 16 year volunteer for the American Cancer Society of Preble County, she formerly served as president, vice president and member of the Board of Directors. She also served as a volunteer for the Once Around Shop in Eaton; the Preble County Historical Society; and secretary for the Dixie Athletic Booster Club in the 1960's.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by husband Russell H. Bowman in 1986: brothers Willard, Raymond and Herbert Bryant: and sister Selma Little.

Survived by son & daughter-in-law Greg & Ginger Spratt of West Alexandria: grandchildren Julie (Bob) Hamilton of SC; Alicia (Jason) Bach of Wilder, KY; Amanda (Kelly) Burkett of Milford, OH; and Andrea Spratt of West Alexandria: great grandchildren Mackenzie, Tristan and Connor Hamilton, Isabelle and Jordan Bach, and Wyatt Burkett: sister Wilma (Rev. Joseph "Buddy") Rhodes of Frenchburg, KY: and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. The family wishes to extend special thanks to the congregation of St. Paul's United Methodist Church for their prayers and support in the last 10 years: the West Alexandria Rescue Squad: the Preble County Dialysis Center, the Preble County Council on Aging, and all of Audra's neighbors.

Friends may call on the family from 6:00 - 9:00 PM Wednesday, December 15, 2010 at the Robert L. Crooks Funeral Center at Preble Memory Gardens - 3377 US Rt. 35 - West Alexandria. Funeral services 11:00 AM Thursday at the St. Paul United Methodist Church - 120 N. Maple St. - Eaton. Pastor Chris Farmer presiding. The family will also receive friends from 10:00 - 11:00 AM Thursday at the Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Preble County Chapter of the American Cancer Society, St. Paul UMC, or the Preble County Council on Aging. Interment Forest Hills Cemetery, Tipp City. Online condolences may be sent via www.rlcfc.com