Betty “Kit” Jo Bowles, 92, of Ottumwa died at 8:15 p.m. May 6, 2026 at Vista Woods Care Center.
She was born June 5, 1933 in Amarillo, TX to Charles Tom and Mattie Key Mathews Herring. She married Otis Raymond Bowles Jr. January 6, 1957 and he preceded her in death September 27, 2020.
Growing up in Oklahoma, Kit graduated from Muskogee High School in 1951. She earned her bachelor’s degree in geology with a minor in English from Principia College in Elsah, IL, and moved to Ottumwa in 1974. Kit co-owned and operated Rainbow Country from 1986 until 1998.
She was a member of Christian Science Church, P.E.O. International and Kings Daughters. Kit served on the Ottumwa Library board and was involved in book clubs, The Bridge Club and an art club. She enjoyed crafts such as pottery and painting. Kit also enjoyed watching plays, reading and entertaining, especially having game nights.
Surviving are her children, Shelly (Dennis) Williams of Ottumwa and Bruce (Lesley) Bowles of Round Rock, TX; 5 grandchildren, Nicholas (Janis) Streeby, Michelle (Brandon) Hancock, Spencer Bowles, Carson Bowles, Keaton Bowles; 5 great grandchildren and one on the way; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her grandparents; and a son, Mark Randall Bowles.
Her body has been cremated and no services are planned at this time.
