Margaret Mary Bowerly

Margaret, affectionately known as "Margo", was born to John and Frieda Zieg who emigrated in 1918 from Frankfurt Germany to Colfax, Washington. John came first to buy a farm and get things set up, then Frieda joined him and they got married. The first year was a drought so crop failure forced them to sell the farm. They planned to move to California, but while driving through Portland they noticed water flowing freely from drinking fountains on the street corners. John said, "this is where we shall live." John got a job as a plumber and they rented a house in Portland.

In 1923 Margo was born and two years later, her brother Albert was born. Her German heritage was always an important part of her life. She attended Laurelhurst Elementary and Grant High School. In the summer, Margo attended Hastings Business College. After graduating, she got a job at Hyster Co. who manufactured war equipment. As a receptionist and bookkeeper, she worked evenings until 10:00pm. One evening a young man convinced a security guard to allow him in to fill work orders. This was his part time job duty. Once the door was opened, he spied a most attractive receptionist, Margaret Zieg. A lifetime romance began that evening. Jerry, a dental student was also working nights for Hyster. Jerry was quite distracted from the files with multiple glances to and from the reception desk. She had to walk two blocks to the nearest streetcar after work, so Jerry rode his bike next to it each night so she had an escort. He had one hand on his bike and the other holding her hand.

They were married on March 4, 1944 at the Evangelical Reformed Church in Portland. This was Jerry's senior year as a mid shipman in the US Navy. The name Margo was created due to her friend Margaret Johnson having the same first name. She and her husband Warren were close friends with Margo and Jerry in the Navy. Margo and Jerry were married for over 72 wonderful years and had four children: David Bowerly (deceased), Judy Luse, Ronald Bowerly and Laura Heiman. They have 9 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Jerry and Margo settled in Keizer, Oregon after time in California with the Navy. Jerry was the first dentist in Keizer and they lived there for over 60 years.

Margo's bookkeeping skills were highly valued doing the accounting for the dental practice and managing the Fernwood Court Apartment complex they built and owned in Keizer. Margo stayed busy raising her family, attending neighborhood luncheon club, church service activities and knitting over 100 hats for orphans and relatives. She helped neighbors and dental patients in need after death of their family members. She loved toll painting, quilting, knitting and gardening as well as cooking and entertaining. Margo always had a love for music. She played the organ and piano.

Margo and Jerry's retirement years were spent traveling with friends, enjoying their condo at Black Butte Ranch and spending time with the family. Grandkids will recall Grandma as Queen of the trailer when camping at Detroit Lake State Park. While camping, hugs and snacks were passed out freely and many games of cards and tile rummy were played.

Above all, Margo's love for and faith in Jesus sustained her throughout her life and became a major example impacting the lives of her relatives. She had a grateful and giving heart. She recently said Sunday was her favorite day and she loved going to church. She attended church her whole life and most recently Salem Evangelical Church. To Margo, this life was a temporary stop on the way to an eternal heaven and fellowship with her savior.

We love you precious wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, neighbor and friend.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be sent to Franklin Graham Samaritan's Purse at PO Box 3000, Boone, NC. 28607. https://www.samaritanspurse.org/