Charley R. Bowers
November 24, 1937 – January 29, 2024
At her request, cremation has taken place and there will not be a funeral or memorial service.
Obituary
BOWERS, Charley Renee
Grand Junction
Age 86, died on January 29, 2024 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. Charley was born November 24, 1937, to Don and Wilma (Cleveland) Bowers and raised on their farm in Sodus, Michigan. She was predeceased by her parents and sister and brother-in-law, Phyllis and Ronald Bodtke. She is survived by her nephews and nieces Tom, Pam, Larry, and Kay, and their families, and many cousins and friends. At her request, cremation has taken place and there will not be a funeral or memorial service. However, she would be honored if those who knew her raised their glass and drank a toast to her life and wished her well on her next and future adventures through eternity.
I feel so blessed to have had Charley in my life! I will always remember our first dance at the Gala, the laughter and deep conversations that we shared on my patio, dinners, sitting at your favorite place on the bluff Lake Michigan, taking me to the family blueberry processing and toasting so many beautiful moments!! It still brings tears to my eyes to hear that you have transitioned… my condolences to your family… Your impact was huge on many of us in the community… And you will be missed 💜🙏🏻
We first met Charley Renee at JCPENNEY in Holland. It was just a few weeks later when she introduced herself at our monthly PFLAG meeting. She was a gold mine of knowledge and supporter concerning LGBTQ issues. She shared her expertise on transgender issues in many seminars and college classes. Charley Renee opened many hearts and minds to the facts and realities of living ones true identity rather than living a lie.