Samuel Ross Bowsher

Samuel “Ross” Bowsher, age 90, of Lima, died peacefully in his home on Monday, November 21, 2022. Ross was born February 24, 1932 to the late Joe R. and Clara Loyer Bowsher. On June 11, 1954, he married Doris Simpkins, who preceded him in death.

Ross graduated from Shawnee High School and Capital University. He was a teacher of Spanish and speech plus a coach at Lima City Schools and Shawnee Schools. He drove school buses and owned his own painting business. Ross served in the U.S. Army, 101st Airborne Division.

Ross was a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church where he served faithfully as a Sunday School teacher, enjoyed singing in the choir and a quartet, and accompanied the adults on piano during opening for 30 years. He served on council and ran the church softball league. He also attended Zion Lutheran Church in Lima. He was known lovingly as “Sam the Piano Man” at Otterbein-Cridersville nursing home where he played the piano weekly.

On September 1, 2012, Ross married Margaret Blanchong, who survives.
Ross is also survived by his children- David (Linda) Bowsher, Ann (Bill) Dellinger, Amy (Jeff) Jenson, Alan (Andrea) Bowsher and Dale (Emily) Bowsher. Ross had 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; stepchildren – Lori Blanchong, Susan (Tom) Lucente, and Tim Blanchong; 6 step grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his four siblings – Paul Bowsher, Mary Bess Henderson, Lenore Burtchin, and Jeanette Olds.

A Service will be held at St. Matthew Lutheran Church on Friday, November 25, at 12:00 followed by a meal. Friends may call from 10:00 to12:00 Friday at the church. Rev. Samuel Payne will officiate, and burial will follow in St. Matthew Cemetery.

Donations may be given to St. Matthew Lutheran Church.

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