Nell "Granny" Bowen

Nell Bowen was born March 22, 1933, in Jamesville North Carolina where she grew up on a farm with her parents and six siblings. Her senior year in high school she was recruited to work for the FBI and in 1951 she moved to Washington DC. While working for the FBI she met John Bowen, and they were married 69 years before his passing in 2021.

After John graduated from the Stenotype Institute of Washington DC they moved to Norton Kansas and then to Olathe in 1958. She was a 50-year member of Eastern Star, Ladies Reading Circle and Olathe Jr. Service League. She served on the Charitable Foundation Board of Olathe Health. She was a faithful supporter of the Deaf Culture and Gift of Life. She was a woman of faith and became a member of the First Baptist Church of Olathe in 1958.

Nell worked at Patrons Bank from 1964-1974 and then owned Jayhawk Antiques located in downtown Olathe from 1975-1984.

Nell was known for her cooking. In 2019 at the annual gala for Olathe Health her famous fudge sold for $55,000. After cooking her second love was bridge. Playing bridge weekly was a large part of her life.

Nell leaves behind her son Mack (Kim) Bowen Overland Park KS, Kim (Nate) Harbur Overland Park KS, three grandsons Kyle (Becky) Bowen Dallas TX, Cole Harbur Kansas City MO, Luke Harbur Kansas City MO, three great grandchildren Mack, Stella, Brooks Dallas TX, brother Ken Modlin Jamesville NC, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She endured the loss of her grandson Jay in 2006.

Nell’s memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church of Olathe on Saturday, October 5th. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00am and the service will follow.

In lieu of flowers please contribute to:

First Baptist Church of Olathe
2024 East 151st Street
Olathe, KS 66062 
fbcolathe.org

 Gift of Life
6405 Metcalf Avenue
Suite 109
Overland Park, KS 66202
giftdonor.org

 Olathe Health Charitable Foundation
11300 Corporate Ave. MS 9241
Lenexa, KS 66219
olathehealth.org/patients-and-visitors/giving/