Mary Jean Bowland Westlake

Mary Jean Bowland Westlake

Dec. 2, 1924 —  Jan. 8, 2008

GRAND JUNCTION — Mary Jean Bowland was born in Denver, Colo. to parents Ben and Edna (Robinson) Bowland. She passed away on Jan. 8, 2008. She was 83. Cremation has taken place. Her older brother, Alfred, and younger sister, Shirley, have preceded her in death.

Mary attended schools in the Denver area, graduating from Lakewood High School.

She married Marvin Lee Westlake on Sept. 5, 1942, in Littleton, Colo., and was later divorced. They had three children: Judy Reader of Lakewood, Colo., Marvin Lee “Skip” Westlake, Jr. (Wendy) of La Pine, Ore., and Mary Beth Klippert of Holyoke, Colo. She had seven grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

She was a homemaker until they moved from the Denver area to No Name just east of Glenwood Springs where they lived until moving into Glenwood and later to Apple Tree Trailer Court in New Castle. In Glenwood she was a procurement clerk for the US Forest Service until she retired. Then she worked for Wal-Mart in Glenwood, transferring to Grand Junction where she worked for a few more years before permanently retiring.

When the family still lived in the Denver area, they enjoyed camping and fishing, and Mary was at home in the out- of- doors and enjoying nature. For her, moving to the Western Slope was like living in the out- of- doors every day.

She loved being a member of the Ginger Cookies, a band which was widely known for its comical renditions of everyone’s favorite tunes. She played the kazoo and had many outrageous outfits which she wore with passion.  However, her biggest passion was for her family and friends. Her concern for their well-being and health was always uppermost in her thoughts and prayers. No holiday, birthday or anniversary went by without her sending out cards.

Mary was very involved in Northeast Christian Church working in its food bank, counting money after Sunday services and anchoring the prayer chain. She loved playing Rummikub and other card games at the Roubideau House at Monterey Park where she lived until moving to Grand Villa.

Services were held Friday, Jan. 18, at 1 p.m. at Northeast Christian Church, 2001 Patterson, Grand Junction.   

Memorial contributions may be made to Northeast Christian Church or a charity of choice.

Arrangements were under the direction of Callahan-Edfast Mortuary, (970) 243-2450.