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Helen L. Bowser

Helen L. Bowser, 86, of Elderton, PA, passed away on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026 at Beacon Ridge in Indiana, PA.

She was born August 3, 1939 in Kittanning, PA to Harry T. and Ethel L. (Boyer) Bechtel.

Helen was a lifelong resident of Armstrong County and graduated from Kittanning High School in 1958. For 25 years she worked as a server in the school cafeteria for the Armstrong School District, retiring in 1998. Helen was an active member of Elderton Presbyterian Church, where she served as a past church deacon, and former longtime financial secretary. Traveling, reading, and camping were her favorite hobbies; she especially enjoyed camping with her friends at Sharp's Campground. Helen cherished the time spent with her family.

Her memory will be cherished by her loving husband of nearly 66 years, John R. Bowser, whom she married January 29, 1960; daughters, Debra Bowser Blacksmith and husband, William, of Plum, and Kara A. Boyer and husband, Jon, of Elderton; grandchildren, Matthew Blacksmith and wife, Rachel of Ann Arbor, MI and Luke Blacksmith of Plum; great-granddaughter, Sophia Blacksmith; a special cousin, Alice Young of West Kittanning; brother-in-law, Robert "Bob" Bowser of GA; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; and a grandson, Joshua Blacksmith.

Family and friends will be received from 11 AM until the time of a Memorial Service at 1 PM on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026 at Elderton Presbyterian Church, 115 N. Main St. Elderton, PA 15736 with Rev. Dr. Angel De La Cruz officiating.

Interment will be in Lawn Haven Burial Estates, Worthington, PA.

Helen's family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Beacon Ridge for the care they provided over the last two years.

Contributions can be made in Helen's memory to Elderton Presbyterian Church, PO Box 159, Elderton, PA 15736.

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