Sandra Jean Bowden (Emery) age 81, of Missouri Valley, passed away April 6, 2024, at Immanuel Hospital in Omaha, Neb.
Sandra was born May 31, 1942, in Huron, S.D., to Amos and Eleanor (Olmstead) Emery. Sandy attended Missouri Valley School. Sandy married Donald Rodasky in 1959 and had six children. Sandy met the love of her life Donald Bowden in 1979 at the First and Last Chance Saloon Bar in Missouri Valley. They were united in marriage on Oct. 16, 1981.
Sandy was always taking care of others as a babysitter in her youth and then as a medication aide at Longview Nursing Home. She went on to be a truck driver for over 18 years with Don for Beatrice Freight Line before retiring in 2003. She enjoyed spending her time crafting, fishing, mushroom hunting, gardening, traveling, and especially spending time with her family and friends.
Sandy is preceded in death by her husband Donald Bowden; infant daughter, Betty Ann; parents, Amos and Eleanor Emery; siblings, Fran Allen, Cheryl Steward, Daryl Tulowetzke, Thelma Fowler, Edie Hileman; granddaughter, Laurie Bolton; her beloved cat Dumbo; and many other close friends.
Sandy leaves behind to cherish her memory her children, Michael Bowden of Omaha, Neb., Donald Rodasky Jr. (Christine), Larry Rodasky (Norma) of Dunlap, Kathy Preston (Kyle), Roger Rodasky (Chelcie) of Missouri Valley, Linda Cooling of Sully; grandchildren, Derek Swanger, Jeffery Rodasky (Jorrie), Brandon Rodasky (Jae), Jennifer Cink (Joshua), Cody Rodasky, Kory Preston (Hayley), Doug Cooling (Ashlyn), Kendra Bauer (Nathan), Kaylie Selzer (Nathan), Kyron Preston (Bailey), Jackson Rodasky, John Bowden (Serena), Paul Bowden; brother, Dennis Emery; and many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Her spunky personality and generous heart will be truly missed. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Visitation will be April 20, 2024, 9-10:30 a.m. at Hennessey Funeral Home. Celebration of Life Service will follow at 10:30a.m.
Family would like to invite everyone to the Rand Center for lunch and fellowship following the service.
Arrangements made by Hennessey Funeral Home.
