Lavonne “Kay” Bowers, age 87, of Joplin, Missouri passed away Thursday, November 5, 2026 at Solace House of the Ozarks in Joplin, Missouri.

She was born to Louis and Narcissus Bertschy in Bentonville, Arkansas. One of eleven children, Kay grew up in Bentonville, where she attended school and graduated from Bentonville High School in 1957. During her senior year, she was given the memorable distinction of being named “Prettiest Girl.”

Following high school, Kay moved to Kansas City, Missouri. She often reminisced about her fun-filled days in the “Big City,” telling stories about living with her roommates, enjoying life, and spending everything they earned on new clothes. It was during this time that she met the love of her life, Jerrell Bowers. They were married on July 4, 1959.

Kay was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jerrell Bowers; her parents, Louis and Narcissus Bertschy; and her siblings, Leola King, Evelyn Garnett, Margie Lamb, Vivian Allen, Calvin Bertschy, Leon Bertschy, Verna Dodd, and Ivan Bertschy.

She is survived by her husband, Ferrell Bowers; brothers, Dick Bertschy (Danette) and Doug Bertschy (Shirley); her children, Troy Bowers (Jamie), Greg Bowers (Anita), and Patti Brinkley (John); and her bonus daughters, Kelly Cox and Tracy Taylor (Joe).

She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Jacob Bowers (Mathieu), Kaytlyn Roberts (Brandon), Nicholas Bowers (Brianna), Samantha Brenner (Zack), Madison Flores

(Allyn), Jackson Dahn (Kayla), Joseph Bowers (Katie), and Michael Dahn (Jillian).

Her bonus grandchildren include Clint Brinkley, Abbey Brinkley (Andrew), Ethan Burkett, Grant Burkett (Taylor), Zach Taylor (Shelby), Olivia Kothmann (Wilks), Eli Taylor (Emma), Ryan Truman (John), and Miles McNeill (Tara).

Kay was also blessed with six great-grandchildren: Finn Dahn, August Bowers, Vivian Dahn, Sylvie Bowers, Hudson Roberts, Junie Bowers, and an expected great-grandchild due soon. Please join us in a celebration of Kay’s amazing life at the Harrisonville United Methodist Church on Saturday, November 21, from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. Cremation arrangements are under direction of Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Bright Futures of Harrisonville.