Born July 11, 1919 to Richard & Lillian (Burton) Bowman in Zanesville, Ohio; died November 20, 2015 in Morton Grove, Illinois. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother David R. Bowman, and beloved husband, Dane, leaving their children Randall (Colleen Kenney) Caulkins, Cynthia (Thomas) Churchwell, and Marsha Caulkins, eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, a nephew and a niece.
Connie studied Education, English and Biology at the Ohio State University. In 1941 she married fellow Buckeye, Dane V. Caulkins. They lived in Xenia, Ohio while he taught at the Ohio Soldier’s and Sailor’s Orphanage. When Dane’s draft was imminent he moved Connie to his home town, Fayette, where she taught while Dane traveled with the US 5th Army 3rd Division across North Africa, Sicily, Italy & France, and then saw parts of Germany as a prisoner of war. The time that he was MIA was the most trying time of Connie’s life. They moved in 1951 to Midland, Michigan, where Dane taught math and science. Connie was active in Faculty Dames and a women’s circle at Memorial Presbyterian Church. Connie returned to teaching and retired from Meridian High School, Sanford, Michigan. She intended that every student be well versed in grammar and speak confidently in public. Connie also corrected public displays of incorrect usage (tomatoes, not tomato’s) with her handy red pen.
In 1983 Dane and & Connie relocated to Bryan after she declared, “I lived 32 years in Ohio, 32 years in Michigan, and want to spend the next 32 back in Ohio.” At First Church of Christ Connie joined Dorcas Circle and Senior Saints. She did predict her life span but, reluctantly, moved to Illinois in 2013. Connie raised flowers, vegetables, over 250 varieties of African violets, many dogs and personable parakeets. She relished playing word and card games. Memberships included retired teacher organizations, American Legion Auxiliary and 70 years in Order of the Eastern Star.
A memorial service is Nov. 24 in Illinois (www.simkinsfh.com); Graveside services will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, November 28, 2015 at Fountain Grove Cemetery, Bryan, Ohio. Local arrangements are under the care of Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home (www.oberlinturnbull.com). Following interment the family will greet friends at Jackie Blu’s, Restaurant, 201 W. Butler Street, Bryan.
In lieu of flowers, please give a book to a child or support Reading is Fundamental, 1730 Rhode Island Avenue NW, Suite 1100, Washington DC 20036.
Condolences may be sent to the family or the online guest book may be signed at www.oberlinturnbull.com
