Sandra Jean Bowden (Emery) age 81, of Missouri Valley, Iowa passed away April 6, 2024, at Immanuel Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska.
Sandra was born May 31, 1942, in Huron, South Dakota to Amos and Eleanor (Olmstead) Emery. Sandy attended Missouri Valley School. Sandy married Donald Rodasky in 1959 and had six children. Sandy met the love of her life Donald Bowden in 1979 at the First and Last Chance Saloon Bar in Missouri Valley, Iowa. They were united in marriage on October 16, 1981.
Sandy was always taking care of others as a babysitter in her youth and then as a medication aide at Longview Nursing Home. She went on to be a truck driver for over 18 years with Don for Beatrice Freight Line before retiring in 2003. She enjoyed spending her time crafting, fishing, mushroom hunting, gardening, traveling, and especially spending time with her family and friends.
Sandy is preceded in death by her husband Donald Bowden, infant daughter Betty Ann, parents Amos and Eleanor Emery, siblings Fran Allen, Cheryl Steward, Daryl Tulowetzke, Thelma Fowler, Edie Hileman, granddaughter Laurie Bolton, her beloved cat Dumbo, and many other close friends.
Sandy leaves behind to cherish her memory, children; Michael Bowden of Omaha, Nebraska, Donald Rodasky Jr. (Christine), Larry Rodasky (Norma) of Dunlap, Iowa, Kathy Preston (Kyle), Roger Rodasky (Chelcie) of Missouri Valley, Iowa, Linda Cooling of Sully, Iowa. Grandchildren; Derek Swanger, Jeffery Rodasky (Jorrie), Brandon Rodasky (Jae), Jennifer Cink (Joshua), Cody Rodasky (Jennifer), Kory Preston (Hayley), Doug Cooling (Ashlyn), Kendra Bauer (Nathan), Kaylie Selzer (Nathan), Kyron Preston (Bailey), Jackson Rodasky, John Bowden (Serena), Paul Bowden, brother Dennis Emery, and many great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Her spunky personality and generous heart will be truly missed. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Visitation will be April 20, 2024 9:00a.m ~ 10:30a.m at Hennessey Funeral Home.
Funeral service will be held 10:30am April 20, 2024 at Hennessey Funeral Home in Missouri Valley, Iowa.
Family would like to invite everyone to the Rand Center for lunch and fellowship following the service.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
7 Comments
I’ll miss your smile.
She was a great lady sorry for your loss Kathy Preston and Brandon Rodasky RIP Sandy (Sandra)
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss I loved your mother she was so much fun she will be so missed my prayers and thoughts are with you guys
Rest in peace dear lady. You were a part of the family, you were so sweet, smiles always, laugh was great and so much fun to talk to. My sympathies to the whole family, sending my prayers.
Kendra and family,
We wish you and your family peace and warm comfort as you grieve the passing of your cherished grandma. We know how much she meant to you. Sending all of our love. š
Iām so sorry for your loss. Sandy treated my family like her own. She was a special person so kind and loving. Prayers to the family and sending hugs and comfort. š
Sandy was always a good friend to Karen and me. Even though we left Missouri Valley 50 years ago, our families have kept in.touch. Sandy stood up with Karen when we got married in 1974..I am sure those two are having a good visit in heaven. Sandy will be missed.
Ken Moore
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