Sara J. Bowers

Sara Josephine (Chipman) Bowers, age 98, of Ionia, passed away at home with family under hospice care on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. Sara was born on April 1, 1927, in Lakeview, Michigan, the 12th out of 13 children born to Alfred F. and Erma M. (Hess) Chipman, both of whom preceded her in death. She graduated from Lakeview Area Schools. She exchanged vows with Dale J. Bowers in 1947, and he preceded her in death in 1982. She and Dale had bought a farm on Steadman Road in 1953. Following Dale’s death, she maintained the farm and carried on the family legacy. The work was hard, the days were long, interest rates were high, but Sara persevered. She met and managed every challenge that faced her. She also kept an impeccable home and prepared delicious meals and could bake like a pro. For many years her pies were a favorite at “Aunt Stephies” Restaurant in Ionia and were frequently requested by many regular customers. While managing the farm, she also worked full time for an area manufacturer beginning in 1952, which eventually became General Tire, from which she retired in 1983. She was an avid gardener and volunteered to help with 4-H as her children participated in those programs and activities. Sara was an amazing, resourceful, kind, woman who left no stone unturned as she shepherded every project and commitment through to its completion. She will be dearly missed.

Memories of Sara will be cherished by her family, including her son Danny (Kathy) Bowers of Goodhart, Michigan and daughter, Teresa Leslie of Ionia; grandchildren Jason (Stephanie) Nemeth of Ionia, Dough (Danielle) Bowers of Kent City, Carmen Jefferson of Lansing; great grandchildren Ashley (Mitch) Armbustmacher of DWitt, Jacob (Natalie) Nemeth of Allendale, Emily (Connor) Vanwagoner of Grandville, Maxwell Jefferson and Vance Jefferson of SanDiego, California, Lucas Schuman, Cody (Alexis) Bowers, Kenzie Bowers and Lexi Bowers, all of Kent City; great-great grandchildren Maziekeen Armbustmacher, Briya Armbustmacher, and Roman Vanwagoner. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her 12 siblings and their spouses; and a son-in-law Thomas Leslie.

Sara’s family would like to express a heartfelt thank you, to the caring nurses and other staff member at West Michigan Hospice who provided tender loving support and care to Sara and the whole family through a difficult time. The family recommends those who wish to express their sympathy through a memorial donation consider a gift to West Michigan Hospice in Sara’s name. You may visit their website at westmichiganhospice.com.

A Celebration of Sara’s full life and legacy is being planned for a later date. Interment in Palo Cemetery next to her dear, husband Dale will also take place. For additional information please contact Verdun Family Funeral Home in Belding at (616) 794-1300 or at www.verdunfh.com.