Marian Elaine Bower

A celebration of life for MARIAN ELAINE BOWER, 87, will be held 1pm Friday June 26, 2026, at the Colyer Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Brent Mullock officiating. Marian passed away peacefully June 20, 2026, at Torrington Community Hospital and cremation has taken place. Memorials can be made to the donor’s choice in Marian’s name. Arrangements are under the direction of the Colyer Funeral Home and condolences may be sent to www.colyerfunerlahome.com Marian was born February 26, 1939, in Scottsbluff, Nebraska to Alex and Emma Heckman. She was raised on a farm in Veteran; she attended school in Torrington until her junior year when her family moved to Scottsbluff. The values of hard work, resilience and determination she learned from growing up on the farm stayed with her throughout her life. In 1956 she married Bob Knox in Rapid City, South Dakota, together they built a family and welcomed three children; Patricia, Bryan and Lori. Following Bob's passing in 1977, Marian later found love again and married James "Jim" Bower December 20, 1982, in Torrington. Marian was a woman who knew her own mind, she was stubborn, opinionated, entertaining and was never afraid to tell you exactly what she thought. Those who loved her wouldn't have wanted her any other way. She had a sense of humor that kept everyone on their toes. She loved tending to her flower beds, fishing, camping and trying her luck gambling. One of her favorite forms of exercise was walking the aisles of Walmart and Menards where she could often be found getting in her steps while visiting with friends. Marian had a special fondness for noodles, popcorn, blackberry dumplings and never turned down a good meal shared with family. As her children often joked, Marian had an arm long enough to reach across the back seat of the car and swat all three kids at once. It was just one example of strength, determination and loving discipline that helped shape her family. Her favorite sayings where "It is what it is" "this too shall pass" and "I've had a good life". Marian’s strength, honesty and humor left an imprint that will endure through generations to come. Marian was a prime example of a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She deeply loved her family and would have done anything to help them in any way. While her passing leaves a space that can never be filled, the impact of her life remains all around those who knew and loved her. Marian is survived by her husband of 44 years Jim Bower, three children; Patricia Takuski, Byran (Leanne) Knox and Lori Knox, stepdaughter Robyn Bower-Reed, nine grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild on the way, two sisters, Carol (Jim) Lynch, Ruth Knotts and a brother Dan (Wendy) Heckman. She was preceded in death by her first husband Bob Knox, parents Alex and Emma Heckman and an infant brother.

Marian Elaine Bower

February 26, 1939 - June 20, 2026