Doris Bowman

Doris Bowman, age 85, peacefully passed away on Friday, April 26th, surrounded by loved ones after a brief battle with cancer. She cherished her life in Southern Indiana, where her deep-rooted relationships were evident in the outpouring of support she received during her final weeks.

Predeceased by her husband, Gilbert “Butch” Bowman; brother, Beverly Powles; sister, Victoria Powless; son, Russell Vanover; and granddaughter, Erin Stricker.

Doris is survived by her daughter, Debbie; son-in-law, John “Buck” Buchanan; daughter-in-law Vicky Street; brother, Dwight Powless; grandson, Jeremey Vanover (Rebecca); granddaughters, Michaela Davis (Sean), and Mackenzie Buchanan (Blayne); and her great-grandchildren, Dakota, Camille, Michael, and Lilly.

A survivor of The Mohawk Institute Residential School in Brantford, Ontario, Canada, Doris remained fiercely proud of her Mohawk heritage, despite the forced assimilation and abuse she endured. Originally from the Six Nations Reservation in Ohsweken, Ontario, she recently discovered her direct lineage to Joseph Brant through genealogical research.

Doris found joy in gardening, small dogs, and reading, having explored every state in the country alongside her late husband Butch. She supported Debbie and Buck's military careers, helping raise their daughters and was always eager for a new home improvement project.

A graveside service will be at Crown Hill Cemetery in New Washington, Indiana at 2pm, Saturday, June 1, 2024.