Nancy Rae (Bowen) Garrett

Long-term Eastern Washington resident, Nancy Rae (Bowen) Garrett, passed away on August 10, 2022 at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, Washington.

Nancy was born on January 15, 1935 in Spokane, Washington to Walter and Margaret Bowen. Nancy was the oldest of three daughters. Nancy grew up in Spokane where she was surrounded by her large and loving Italian-American family. She graduated from Marycliff High School in 1953. She met the love of her life, Jack S. Garrett, while in high school. After they both graduated from high school, they were married on December 26, 1953 at St. Aloysius Roman Catholic Church. They moved to Endicott, Washington where they immediately began farming and having children. Nancy worked at home raising children, feeding harvesters, and managing the household. Nancy had a total of five children, and she encouraged her children to follow their hearts. This led to a wide array of activities such as attending sports events, building parade floats for high school royalty, watching car drag races, going to swim meets, and attending high school musicals and horse shows. She knew the importance of education, and she encouraged all of her children to attend college. Nancy had a strong support group of other women and was very active in the monthly “Mothers’ Nigh Out” where she laughed, played cards, and shared life stories.

Nancy faced the tragedy of the loss of her son, John, who died at the age of 28. She also faced the loss of her grandson, Tyler, who died in infancy. After 32 years of farming in Whitman County, Nancy and Jack sold their farm and moved to Spokane. Nancy worked as a receptionist at the front desk of 14th and Grand Hair Salon on the South Hill of Spokane for 20 years. When they retired, Nancy and Jack took cruises and enjoyed family and friends. She took care of Jack until he passed away after he battled for three years with cancer. Nancy then moved to Park Place where she enjoyed the retirement community of senior citizens and participated in all of the available social activities.

Nancy enjoyed being around family and friends by sharing stories and reminiscing. She had a zest for life, and loved to shop, especially at Christmas.

Surviving are her four children: Marian and her husband David Fisher, Spokane; Michael and his husband Alan Conrad, Seattle; Kathleen and her husband Mark Richter, Endicott; and Steven and his husband Terry Burgess, Seattle; eight grandchildren; Gretchen (Lukas) Naugle, Joel (Luke) Dauenhauer-Fisher, Lindsae (Carlos) Gonzalez, Quinn Anex-Ries, Kayla (Eli) Tomlinson, Claire (Adam) Wilkins, Colson Richter, and Sabrina Burgess-Garrett; and 14 great-grandchildren; Brigitta, Natalia, Analina, and Francesca Naugle; Margaret Dauenhauer-Fisher; Mackenzie, Isabele, and Jordyn Gonzales; Gavin, Elsie, Cora, Jerelyn, and Jordan Tomlinson; and Jack Wilkins. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Margaret, and her sister, Mary. She is also survived by her sister, Rosalie Potratz, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date at St. Aloysius Roman Catholic Church at 330 E. Boone Avenue, Spokane, WA.