Former Emporian Bertha Leona Bowers, 98, of Eureka died Dec. 18, 2001, at Medical Lodge of Eureka. Mrs Bowers was a homemaker.

Bertha Leona Kling was born April 19, 1903, the daughter of Elmer Seeden and Jennie Maude Crowell Kling. She married Martin Bowers on March 6, 1922, at Cottonwood Falls. Mrs. Bowers was a member of Grace United Methodist Church and Barracks No 1111 Veterans of Foreign Wars World War I Auxiliary, both of Emporia.

Survivors include a daughter, Melba Clopton of Eureka; eight grandchildren, Pamela Gordon, Kerry Clopton and Gary Clopton all of Wichita, Larry Clopton and Vicki Herrick of Olathe, Terry Clopton of Springfield, Mo., Fred Bowers of Conway, Ark., and Barbara Rose of Springfield, Ore.; 27 great-grandchildren and 26 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, a son, Martin Jerald Bowers, and one great-grandchild. Services were Friday at Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home. The Rev. Gary Harms officiated. Burial was at Memorial Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Medical Lodge of Eureka in care of the funeral home, 605 State, Emporia, 66801.

Chase County Leader News, Cottonwood Falls, Kans., Jan 03, 2002