Catherine Bowden 1933-2026
Catherine Ann “Katie” Bowden (née Smithers) of Holton, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and devoted Christian, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2026, in Holton. She was 92 years old.
She was born on Oct. 14, 1933, in Fond du Lac, Wisc. Katie earned many honors in academics and vocal music before graduating from Fond du Lac High School in 1952. Upon graduation, she married Kenneth Morse (deceased) who was stationed in the Army in North Carolina. They later lived in Wisconsin, California and Kansas and had four children. She had a lovely singing voice and sang to her children (and later grandchildren) at night before they went to bed.
After her divorce, as she had wanted to be a nurse all her life, she earned her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certification in Topeka in 1975 while working full time. She later married Mervin “Dee” Bowden (deceased) in Topeka on May 5, 1978. Then she went to Washburn University in Topeka, where she earned her Registered Nurse (RN) qualification and finished top in her class.
Katie’s nursing career was marked by compassion and versatility. She began working with Doctors Cotton and O’Neil in Topeka before joining Stormont-Vail Hospital. Over the years, she served in various departments including adolescent substance abuse, oncology, the emergency room, the cardio cath lab, kidney dialysis and Topeka single-day surgery. Her commitment to providing care and comfort to patients left an indelible mark on those she cared for.
Faith was a cornerstone of Katie’s life. A devout Christian, she was an active member of numerous churches throughout her lifetime, sang in the church choirs and did extensive volunteer work. Her unwavering belief in God guided her actions and provided strength during life’s challenges.
Katie cherished her family deeply.
She is survived by: Sharon (Glenn) Nierman of Lincoln, Neb., Robert (Alma) Morse of Mayetta and Georganne (Darryl) Lovelace of Topeka; six grandchildren, Christopher Nierman, Santa Fe, N.M., Angela (Nick) Bahns, Natick, Mass., Robert (Crystyl) Morse II, Royse City, Texas, Jennifer (Casey) Greene, Louisville, Tenn., Jeremy (Janelle) Morse, League City, Texas, and Joshua (Joy) Nguyen, Vancouver, Wash.; and many great-grandchildren and stepgreat-grandchildren. In addition to her immediate family, Catherine embraced three stepchildren Virgil Bowden (Barbara, deceased), Hoyt, Randall Bowden (deceased) and Deborah (James) Keehn, Golden, Mo. Her extended family includes numerous step-grandchildren, stepgreat-grandchildren and stepgreat-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her son, Kenneth Morse Jr., but his memory lives on through his wife Nancy Morse of Wichita; a sister, Bonnie Christ; and a brother, James Smithers.
Katie’s life was one defined by service — to her faith community, to the medical field through decades of compassionate care and to her family through unconditional love and support. May Catherine Ann “Katie” Bowden’s memory bring comfort to all who knew her as they celebrate a life well-lived and honor the legacy she leaves behind.
A visitation will be held from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 4 at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 1321 S.W. 10th St., Topeka, with funeral to follow at 2:30 p.m.
Memorial gifts may be made to Mayetta Christian Church, 202 E. Jones St., Mayetta, KS 66509; or The Nurse Honor Guard of Topeka, 3713 S.W. 38th St., Topeka, KS 66610.
(PAID OBITUARY)
