Bessie Bowman

Bessie Bowman, 79, of Upper Fruitland, Passed away on Thursday, May 15, 2014, in Albuquerque. She was born on June 10, 1934, to James Thomas and Fannie Sala in Pine Lake, NM. Bessie was born to Nakai Dine' born for Bitaani'. She attended school until 2nd grade. For many years, Bessie worked in various restaurants throughout her life. She enjoyed weaving rugs, sewing, and making blankets, pillows and other projects. She also loved to cook. Her family members were the recipients of numerous good meals. Bessie was a well-respected spiritual individual who raised 10 children. She was a loving, giving person who never let anyone leave her home without eating. Bessie was preceded in death by her husband, Tom Juan; sons, Ernest Curley and Thomas Juan; daughter, Lucy Juan; parents, James Thomas and Fannie Sala; brother, John Frank; and sisters, Louise Thomas and Alice Salazar. She is survived by her sons, Leonard Beyale (Bessie) of Farmington and Tommy Juan (Irene) of Albuquerque; daughters, Marlene Sam (Harold), Caroline Martinez Sells (James), Felicita Antonio (Tracy), Phyllis Martinez, and Lucinda Juan; brothers, Jimmy and Edward Sala, and Yazzie Thomas all of Counselor; sisters, Emma Thomas of Counselor, and Lorraine Thomas of Dulce; 23 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. A viewing will be held from 6-8 pm on Monday, May 19, 2014, at Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 E. Ute St., in Farmington. Funeral service will be at 11:00 am on Tuesday, May 20, 2014, at Brethren in Christ Mission outside of Bloomfield, with Tulley Butler officiating. Interment will follow at Brethren in Christ Mission Cemetery. Pallbearers are Xenophan Begay, Tyson Benally, Tomshane Juan, Ronald Lovato, Myron Lovato, Nehemiah Lovato, and Abijah Beyale. Bessie is in the care of Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 E. Ute St., in Farmington (505)325-8688. Those who wish to send condolences may do so at www.serenityandcompany.com http://www.serenityandcompany.com