Obituary of Sally Emily Sue Bowles

Sally Emily Sue Bowles, 87, of Eden Prairie and most recently, Maple Grove, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2023 surrounded by her family.  Sally was born in Langdon, North Dakota on May 5th, 1936, to Winnifred Stewart (1903-1980) and Harry W. Stewart (1904-1936) who had died of pneumonia just 12 days before her birth.   

Sally graduated as Valedictorian from Langdon High School and attended Whitworth College in Spokane, WA.  Upon discovering one of the strict school rules prohibited dancing, she transferred to the University of North Dakota, earning a bachelor's degree in Education and participating in the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. 

She married Richard H. Bowles (1935-2004) during a blizzard on December 28th, 1959.  They settled in Minnetonka where they met life-long friends who enjoyed many decades of fun, activity, and laughs.  They moved to Eden Prairie in the early 70's, where they raised their family and spent their remaining years. 

Sally worked in a variety of positions but spent the majority of her career with the Eden Prairie School district, achieving the position of Personnel Director prior to retiring in 1986. 

Sally was an avid reader, piano player, dog lover, and grand organizer of all types of activities, outings and trips.  She loved movies, and attending live theater performances.  She established Minnesota’s first Red Hat Society chapter, the Minnetonka Mad Hatters, and the Mahjong group at Summit Place. She enjoyed teaching many people how to play Mahjong.  She was also a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, an organization dedicated to the education of women, and a long time member of Faith Presbyterian Church. 

Upon retirement, Sally spent many winters in Naples, Florida where she established a large friend group, enjoyed many outings and adventures, and played host to family and friends who often visited. During her time in Minnesota, she volunteered at the Courage Center and the Swedish Institute, and traveled with family and friends. 

Sally is remembered best by her kindness towards others, her love and care for her family and friends, her fun loving spirit, and her beautiful smile. 

Sally is preceded in death by her parents, husband Richard Bowles, and brother John H. (Jack) Stewart.  She is survived by her daughters, Paula Maidl (Todd), Nancy Devine (Patrick), grandchildren Alex Maidl, Rachel Maidl (Chris Hefter), Ben Devine and Laura Devine, sister-in-law Harriet Stewart, and many loved in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews. 

We would like to thank the caring owners and staff at Beehive Homes of Maple Grove and St. Croix Hospice for your tender care of Sally and her family during this time.   

A celebration of Sally’s life will be held at Lord Fletcher's Old Lake Lodge on Saturday, December 2nd, 2023.  Please join us at 11am for reception, followed by lunch and memorial at noon.  In lieu of flowers, we ask that a donation be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of America.