Mary Ruth Bowling

Mary Ruth Bowling received her heavenly reward after passing from a courageous battle with leukemia on April 22, 2014. She was born January 4, 1933 in Wallins Creek, Kentucky to the late Clayborn and Ava Blanton Bowling. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving sister, Mrs. Shirley Ann (late Reverend Samuel J.) Bowman in January of this year.

Mary was a devout Christian and faithful life-long member of the Wallins Christian Church where she served as Board Member. She always noted the blessings that had been bestowed upon her with such fellow believers and likewise, the provision of a wonderful extended family.

In her service to the Lord, Mary dedicated her life to public service and helping others.

Her career started with the Federal Bureau of Investigations in Washington, D.C. in October 1951. She worked for the Bureau until August 1959. Given to non-disclosure, the only information shared with the family was Director J. Edgar Hoover's personal comments regarding Mary's exceptional marksmanship. In response to him, she was quick to give credit to her father Clayborn back in Kentucky for her initial training and the subsequent refinement of her much-touted ability.

After being led by the Spirit to return home to the mountains of Kentucky, Mary worked for over a year as a clerk for Harlan Appalachian Regional Hospital before enrolling in the ARH School of Professional Nursing. She graduated near the top of her class in 1964, and once again returned to work for Harlan ARH where she was employed for over 32 additional years as a registered nurse. Her last position was night-shift supervisor. She held this post for many years until she retired in 1996.

Mary leaves in passing one sister, Jessie Sue (late Robert C.) Smith of Waco, Texas and one brother William Kendrick Bowling and wife Charlene of Wallins Creek, Kentucky.

She also leaves to mourn three nieces and two nephews: Ava Madeline Smith,Austin, Texas, Tammy Lynne Bowling, Wallins Creek, Rhonda Lee Bowling (fiancé Greg VanAuken),Burlington, North Carolina, Eric Scott Bowling & wife Verna, Wallins Creek, and Clayborn Clarence Smith & wife Julie, Waco, Texas.

In addition, all who knew Mary were familiar with the special bond and love she shared with her great-nieces Erica Jo Bowling- Wallins Creek and Kendra Elizabeth VanAuken- Burlington, NC, as well as great-nephews William Kendrick Bowling- Wallins Creek and Jacob Timothy Smith- Waco, Texas.

Many others will miss the love and laughter Mary so freely gave including several close first-cousins and other relatives, as well as her small close-knit group of retired friends from Harlan ARH with whom she greatly enjoyed spending time with (Susie Howard, Loretta Creech, Pat Hensley, and Shirley Middleton. An additional close friend, Jenny Lou Spurlock, retired to Florida).

The family extends eternal thanks to the 4th floor-ICU staff of the Harlan Appalachian Regional Hospital and HARH Personnel Director Sabra Howard for Mary’s wonderful and compassionate care. A special appreciation is given to her life-long neighbor and special friend Kim Moses Gross for the consistent love and thoughtfulness she offered to Mary throughout the years.

Visitation will be at Mount Pleasant Funeral Home in Harlan on Friday April 25th from 5-7pm with funeral services immediately following at 7PM. The Reverend Obie Clark of the Wallins Christian Church will be officiating. Elder Bill Lee will be assisting. Burial will be at Park Howard Cemetery in Wallins Creek on Saturday April 26th at 11am. Pallbearers will be the men of the Wallins Christian Church.