Mardell Bowman, 85, of Redding, graduated peacefully from this life into eternal life on February 25, 2013 after a long illness. Mardell was born on September 22, 1927 to Pete and Mary Packwood in Dunsmuir, CA. She was valedictorian of the class of 1945 at Dunsmuir High School, and attended San Jose Bible College. In 1948, she and Harold (Hal) Bowman were married, and spent 61 years together. Mardell lived in Dunsmuir and Redding her entire life.

Mardell is survived by sister, Joan; sons, Forest (Ruth) and Brook (Maura); daughter, Fawn Turner (Jonathan); grandchildren : Mark Bowman (Jillian), Christopher Bowman (Amy), Nathanael Bowman, Erich Bowman, Christine Smotherman (Johnny), Jerry Turner and Serenity Turner; great grandchildren: Jacob, Muriel, Asher, Wyatt, and Taya. Mardell was committed to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and served Him in many capacities as a member of the Church of Christ throughout her life, teaching Sunday school and serving as a mentor to many. Mardell was a great example of a Christian mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Mardell was a homemaker and served in the parent teacher association at Shasta Meadows School. She enjoyed hiking, backpacking, camping and flower gardening. She was active in the Dunsmuir High School reunions for many years. She was blessed with a beautiful voice and enjoyed singing; duets with her sister Joan; duets with her husband, and in quartets at church. She and Hal were original members of the Shasta Chorale and were active in the Dunsmuir Candles in the Canyon celebrations.

A celebration of Mardell's life is planned for Saturday, March 23, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at the Deer Creek Church of Christ in Shasta Lake City. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to International Disaster Emergency Services, PO Box 60, Kempton, IN 46049-0060.

Arrangements handled through Allen & Dahl Funeral Chapel in Redding (243-1525).