Roberta “Bobbie” Bowman, of Bertram, Iowa, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the age of 83.
Bobbie was born on May 21, 1943, in Moline, Illinois, the daughter of John and Elizabeth Bell. She would go on to become legendary in the history of WMT and Camp Courageous.
Bobbie lived a life defined by kindness, faith, family, friendship, and an unwavering willingness to help others.
Bobbie Bowman was a dear friend. She was a treasure to Tait and Dotty Cummins, Leo and Louise Greco, Frosty and Joan Mitchell, Sharon Reeves, and literally dozens and dozens of others. She was at the heart of WMT during some of its most glorious days. She was the glue that kept so much going smoothly, often working quietly behind the scenes to make sure others were taken care of.
There was nothing Bobbie would not do to help and support someone she cared about. When Bobbie was your friend, there was no one more loyal or dedicated.
Bobbie was truly one of the kindest people you could ever meet. She never turned away anyone who needed help and was always willing to lend an ear, offer a helping hand, or share her wisdom. If you needed advice, Bobbie was the person you went to. Somehow, she always seemed to have the answer.
And her sense of humor was one of a kind.
Bobbie had a special gift for making people smile and laugh, even during difficult times. Some of the best moments were spent simply sitting together, talking about life, remembering the past, and laughing about the memories that meant so much to her and her family.
Family was at the heart of Bobbie’s life. She loved cooking and bringing everyone together around the table for family meals. She cherished those moments of togetherness and the memories created over good food and conversation.
She also loved writing letters to her friends for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions. She never forgot an important date and always made the people she loved feel remembered, appreciated, and special.
Bobbie dedicated 20 years of her life to working at WMT. She also spent much of her lifetime supporting Camp Courageous, a cause that held a very special place in her heart. The picture from the 70th Anniversary of WMT is priceless. It was all about the people—and the service.
That picture captures something about Bobbie that words can hardly express. She understood that the people were what mattered most.
Her faith, compassion, and love for others were reflected in the way she lived her life each and every day.
Bobbie’s greatest legacy will not be measured by the years she lived, but by the lives she touched. She leaves behind countless memories, lessons, laughter, and love that will continue to live on in everyone who knew her.
She is survived by her daughter, Stephanie Howard; grandchildren, Amanda (Zac) Cahill, Justin (Amber) Musil, and Savannah Howard; great-grandchildren, Caden, Devin, Chloe, Ryker, Kylie, and Bentley; along with many other family members and friends who loved her dearly.
Bobbie was preceded in death by her parents, who were wonderful supporters of Camp Courageous.
Kindness
I shall pass through this world but once;
If, therefore, there be any kindness I show,
Or any good thing I can do,
Let me do it now;
Let me not defer or neglect it,
For I shall not pass
This way again.
These words so beautifully reflect the life Bobbie lived.
She showed kindness, offered help, gave advice, shared laughter, remembered the people she loved, and made a difference wherever she went. She never waited for another time to do something good for someone—she simply did it.
Though our hearts are broken by her passing, we are grateful for the lifetime of love, laughter, wisdom, faith, and memories she gave us.
Her kindness will be her legacy. Her laughter will live in our memories. And her love will remain in our hearts forever.
Rest peacefully, Bobbie. You gave so much to so many, and you will never be forgotten.
Memorial donations may be made to Camp Courageous at www.campcourageous.org/donate.
—From Bobbie’s Family
& Charlie Becker
