Florence Ada Ipsen Bowman

Florence Ada Ipsen Bowman died peacefully in her sleep on June 12, 2024. Florence was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Florence was born December 28, 1930, in Pleasantview, Idaho, near Malad, Idaho. Florence grew up in a happy home surrounded by cousins and attended the nearby three-room school house until 8th grade. She attended high school in Malad, Idaho. She grew up in a family that loved music, which influenced her to pursue music as her career. Her greatest love was singing all styles of music.

After Florence graduated high school, she attended Brigham Young University. She met her future husband, Jack Bowman, there, and they were married in the Logan temple on May 14, 1954. They lived in various places in Idaho and raised five children: Lisa, Deren Ipsen, Paul Frank, Todd Ruel, and John Scott.

After two years at Indiana University for Jack’s graduate studies, they moved to Rexburg Idaho to teach voice and piano at Rick’s College, now Brigham Young University Idaho. Jack passed away from a car accident in 1972, leaving her to raise the five children. She courageously faced this challenge with faith and love.

Florence taught private voice students, voice classes, women’s choir (1967-72), and women’s glee (1995-97) as an adjunct faculty member at Rick’s for 32 years. She had the opportunity to conduct the Ricks College Centennial Choir at the LDS General Conference in April 1988. Florence received the first Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award and the Exemplary Woman Award (1997) from Ricks College. Florence was the first director of the Cantabile Singers (now the Upper Valley Women’s Choir) for 23 years. Florence also received the Oneida County Hall of Fame award (2014) and the Eliza R. Snow Award for exemplary contributions to the arts (2015).

Florence was a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served three full-time missions for the Church: Indianapolis, Indiana (1982); England London South (1990); and a family history mission to Salt Lake City (2001). Her love for family history inspired her to write several books and many personal histories for family members and friends. Florence worked in the family history center and as a temple worker for many years. She held many other callings including music leading, choir directing, teaching, Cub Scout leader, and Stake Relief Society President.

In addition to her love of music, family, and church, Florence was a woman who loved reading and learning new things. She was a wonderful record keeper, leaving behind many journals and scrapbooks detailing her life. Florence loved flowers, especially double delight roses, crafts, and traveling. She fondly remembered a trip to Europe with her children as well as trips to Israel, Mexico, Australia, Canada, and many places in the United States.

She was preceded in death by her husband: Jack Bowman; parents: Ruel and Ada Ipsen; and sisters and brothers: Leora Brown, Iris Barker, Carol Eliason, Grant Ipsen, and Foster Ipsen. She is survived by her children Lisa Miyasaki (Brad deceased), Deren Bowman (Flossie), Paul Bowman (Sharie), Todd Bowman, John Bowman (Deborah); two sisters-in-law (Eddie Ipsen and Kathy Ipsen); 23 grandchildren; and 47 great-grandchildren.

Donations to the Jack and Florence Memorial Endowment to help music majors at BYUI may be made in lieu of flowers. https://donate.churchofjesuschrist.org/contribute/byu-idaho?funds=30687002 https://my.gather.app/remember/florence-bowman-2024