Bowser

Joyce A. Bowser, 82, of Seneca, went home to meet her Lord and Savior on Sunday morning, July 12, 2026.

She was born Oct. 18, 1943, in Parkers Landing, Butler County, daughter of the late Kenneth L. and Hannah M. (Sherwin) McKee.

She was a 1961 graduate of Allegheny-Clarion Valley High School, earned her Bachelor of Science degree in education from Clarion State in 1965, and her master’s degree from Trenton State, in New Jersey, in 1968. She became a certified reading specialist from Clarion University in 1985.

Joyce was a member of the National Education Association as well as the Pennsylvania State Education Association.

She was a member of Fertigs Church of God of Prophecy. She taught Sunday school for over 50 years, was youth camp and retreat director, church clerk and treasurer, sang with the choir and played clarinet in the band. She enjoyed being very involved in church activities.

Joyce was an avid reader of historical fiction. She also enjoyed crocheting, camping and spending time with her family. She was a friendly and outgoing person who enjoyed helping others. Music was an important part of her life. In her earlier years, she sang solos in church and won first place in a talent contest. She enjoyed southern gospel music and going to concerts. She served many years as a judge of elections, collected music boxes and angels, and especially enjoyed the Christmas holiday with several trimmed trees and hosting and entertaining for friends and family.

Mrs. Bowser taught school for 37 years. She began her teaching career in 1965 with Bristol Township Schools in Levittown. She then taught at A-C Valley Elementary from 1973 to 1999. She later taught future teachers at Youngstown State University in Ohio from 1999 to 2006.

Joyce was married in Six Points Church of God of Prophecy on July 17, 1965, to Ottis L. Bowser, and he preceded her in death on Dec. 13, 2025.

She is survived by two sons, Thomas B. Bowser, of Knox, and Matthew L. Bowser and his wife, Diane, of Venus; her grandchildren, Juliet (Jason) Uhlott, Paul (Nikki) Yeany, Nicholas (Holly) Bowser, Marina Bowser and Natalie Bowser; her great-grandchildren, Matthew Yeany and Adalynn Bowser; and two great-great-grandchildren, Leo and Lorelei. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, June McKee; and several nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Dawn D. Bowser; two sisters, Althea L. (Robert) Chambers and Ellen M. (Raymond) Thompson; a brother, Kenneth L. McKee Jr.; and her in-laws, Hulbert and Olive “Betty” Bowser.

BOWSER — Visitation for Joyce A. Bowser, who died Sunday, July 12, 2026, will be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, at HILE-BEST FUNERAL HOME, 2781 Route 257, Seneca.

Additional visitation will be held from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Thursday, July 16, at Fertigs Church of God of Prophecy, 113 Winwood Lane, Venus, where the funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. with the Revs. Roy Tilton and Donald Pflugh officiating.

Private interment will be in Scrubgrass Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be to the A-C Valley Elementary Library. Make checks payable to A-C Valley School District and write Joyce Bowser Library Memorial on the memo line; mail to A-C Valley Elementary School, ATTN: Librarian, 776 Route 58, Foxburg PA 16036.

To express online condolences to Joyce’s family, visit www.hilebest.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.