Etta M. Bowen, 79 of Ypsilanti, passed away surrounded by her family on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. Etta was born in Dwale, Kentucky on October 10, 1945, to Crit and Katie (Branham) Crisp. Etta grew up in Floyd County, Kentucky, Belleville, and Ypsilanti. She was a graduate of Willow Run High School and went on to study at Washtenaw County Community College. As a young woman, Etta worked as a carhop at the Chick Inn Drive in Ypsilanti. Later in life she managed food services for Manimart Corporation, and several H&R Block Tax Service offices.

Etta was united in marriage on February 15, 1963, at Ypsilanti's Ridge Road Church of Christ to Bobby J. Bowen. Etta and Bob made their home in Ypsilanti, where they raised their family. After retirement they moved to Arkansas where they lived for three years before returning to their beloved Michigan.

Etta was a devout member of the Ypsilanti Church of Christ and could be depended upon to teach and to work. In her spare time, Etta created recipes that she shared with friends and family. She was a superb chef and baker extraordinaire. Yet, as much as she enjoyed cooking, and the day trips she, Bob, and Tinker-bell, her Chihuahua took, she valued the time spent with her children and grandchildren even more.

Etta is survived by Bob, her husband of almost 62 years; her children, Mary (Mark) Hayes of Livonia, Angela Galvin, and Tammy Allen of Livonia; grandchildren, Bobby Sims, Megan Fujita, Shane and Ryan Galvin, and Alexandra Allen; and great grandson Liam Galvin; sisters, Elizabeth Mann and Helen Myers; as well as many nieces, nephews; and friends.

Etta was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Nova Wright, Beulah Murdoch, and Avanelle Rushing; brothers Johnnie, George, Curtis, and Jimmie Crisp.

An 11am memorial service will be held at Stark Funeral Home at 101 South Washington St., Ypsilanti, MI. on Thursday, October 31, 2024, with Jerry Lawson of the Adrian, Michigan congregation of the Church of Christ officiating. Gathering of family and friends will begin at 10am.

In lieu of flowers it was Etta's wish that you do a good deed and make someone smile.