Julie Ann Bowell, 78, of Abilene, Kansas, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2026, in Abilene. She was born on December 20, 1947, in Salina, Kansas, to Douglas and Geraldine (Gleason) Bowell, who preceded her in death.
Julie grew up in Kansas and graduated from Abilene High School in 1965. She went on to attend Emporia State University, where she earned her master’s degree in education. Julie dedicated many years of her life to teaching, sharing her love of language as a junior high and high school Spanish teacher in El Dorado, Kansas.
Later, Julie brought her talents and warm spirit to the legal field, working as a legal assistant for attorney Mark Guilfoyle and the Max Hinkle Law Firm in Abilene, Kansas. She completed her working career in public service as the Deputy Director of Contracting for the Department of the Army at Fort Riley, retiring in 2017 after years of dedicated service.
Julie is survived by her sister, Joyce Bowell of Reading, Pennsylvania; her niece, Tammy (Joseph) Leone of Linesville, Pennsylvania; great-nieces Alyssa (Victor) Torres of Reading, Pennsylvania, Kassaundra (Cody) Rose of Titusville, Pennsylvania; great-nephews Dakota (Nicole) Perez of Conneaut Lake, Pennsylvania, and Noah Leone of Linesville, Pennsylvania; as well as five great-great nieces and two great-great nephews who brought her so much joy.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a nephew, Douglas Bowen; great-nieces Amanda Bowen, Sirrea Bowen, and Victoria Bowen; and a great-great nephew, Basyl Rose.
Julie was truly one of the sweetest souls, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. She found joy in traveling, especially to Albuquerque, New Mexico, cheering on NASCAR, and proudly supporting her beloved Kansas City Chiefs. Above all, Julie cherished her family. She loved spoiling her niece, nephew, and great-nieces and nephews, loving them as if they were her own children.
Julie’s kindness, gentle heart, and loving presence will remain forever in the memories of those who loved her.
Memorial Services will be 1:00 P.M., Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home. Inurnment will follow at the Abilene City Cemetery. Online condolences may be left at www.martinbeckercarlson.com