Maryanna Ballard Bowden, 94, of Sheridan, Wyoming, was taken into the arms of her savior on Wednesday, May 11, 2016, with her daughter Phyllis Bowden, her sister Beverly Ballard, and her niece Candace Crist by her side. She passed peacefully at Sheridan Memorial Hospital.

Maryanna was born on June 12, 1921, the eldest daughter to Homer and Ellen (Granger) Ballard. She was a graduate of Sheridan High School, Sheridan, Wyoming in 1939. She married Robert Bowden in 1945, and had two children, Phyllis and Walter.

After working in the Denver Public School System for many years, she retired and moved back to Sheridan. She decided to go back to work and was employed at the VA Hospital.

She was a member of the Grandparent Program at Holy Name Catholic Church, and was a member of the First Christian Church.

Maryanna was an avid reader. She also spent many hours quilting, crocheting, and gardening. Maryanna deeply loved her family and friends.

Maryanna is survived by her daughter, Phyllis Bowden, granddaughter, Theresa Baldner, grandson, Philip Days, sister, Beverly Ballard, niece, Candace Crist, and nephews, John Crist, Jeff Crist, Paul Crist and his wife Sandy, Nicholas Crist and his wife Laura, and several great and great-great nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Homer and Ellen (Granger) Ballard, husband Robert R Bowden, and her son Walter Bowden, two sisters, Phyllis Ballard and Janet Crist, and brother-in-law, John Crist.

Services will be held at First Christian Church in Sheridan, on Sunday, May 29, 2016, at 2:00 pm with Pastor Doug Goodwin officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: First Christian Church, 102 S. Connor Street, Sheridan, WY 82801.

Online condolences may be written at www.championfh.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Champion Funeral Home.

SheridanMedia.com - May 17, 2016.