On Saturday, January 21, 2023, Donna Smolenske Bowers passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 91.

Donna was born on February 16, 1931 in Denver, Coloradoto Julia and William Smolenske. Donna grew up in Denver and graduated from the University of Colorado of Boulder in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science degree.

On December 27, 1951, she married the love of her life, Bruce Bowers, in Denver Colorado. Donna worked as a home economics teacher while Bruce finished school. Bruce joined the U.S. Army, and they spent two tours of duty in Germany.

After Bruce left the army, he and Donna settled in San Antonio. Donna was active in charitable organizations, her church, and raising four energetic children. She loved sewing and made most of her own clothes. She also taught sewing for many years. Donna and Bruce remained very much attached to Colorado and they visited frequently. Bruce and Donna traveled frequently, visiting many U.S. states and Europe, and taking volunteer trips to the Dominican Republic.

In 1994, Donna and Bruce moved to Tyler, Texas. Donna was active in her church, PEO - a women’s organization, the East Texas Embroidery Guild, and the quilting group at her church.

In the last year of her life, Donna was cared for in her home with tenderness and dignity by an incredible group of ladies: Lee Johnson, Wynona Holly, Stephanie Roberts, Miss Wanda, Camishia Cofer, and Schantella Dixon. The final stage of her journey was guided with care and compassion by Heart to Heart Hospice. The family is deeply grateful to all of these caregivers.

Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Bruce (for which she never forgave him), her niece, Julie Smolenske, and her brother, Jack Smolenske. She is survived by her children, Diana Boone and husband Ron, Blaine Bowers and wife Gayle, Virginia Beall and husband Charles, and Nancy Lerman; her nephews Bill Smolenske and wife Lily, and Barry Smolenske and wife Carolin; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, grand-nieces and -nephews, and one very special great-grand niece.

A memorial service will take place at 10am on Saturday, March 4, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Tyler, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Our

Saviour’s Lutheran Church, or to the charity of your choice.