Billye Jean Bowen

Billye Jean Bowen (Ritch), 89, of Muskogee Oklahoma passed away on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, surrounded by her family. She was born on December 10, 1935, to Cora Opal (Salyers) Ritch and Albert Lee Ritch. Billye Jean attended Muskogee Public Schools where she graduated from high school. She married the love of her life, Eugene (Gene) J.R. Bowen on July 2, 1955. They shared over 68 years of life, marriage, and family together. She loved her family very much and will be missed by everyone who knew and loved her. Billye Jean was a Christian and a member of First Baptist Church of Okay. She and Gene were faithful attenders and contributors in many ways. She served on the funeral committee and banner committee where she helped take care of meals and helped make sure the right banners were placed in the sanctuary in relation to the pastor’s sermon. She was also part of the ladies craft team that met every week to make and update the banners along with other crafts. She and Gene were also founding members of the Senior Center in Okay. Billye Jean was always busy. She enjoyed sewing, crafting, cooking and made the best carrot cake you’ve ever eaten. Christmas was her favorite holiday as she made many gifts at Christmas – once she made ornaments with all the grandchildren’s pictures, beaded ornaments, and a Christmas town out of plastic canvas and yarn. She was a great seamstress and made many dresses for all of us (except the guys) and made wedding attendants and flower girl dresses for her children’s weddings. She and Gene were avid square dancers where she always made her elaborate dresses, and many times made Gene’s shirts to match. Billye Jean was preceded in death by her mother and father, brother Clifford Ritch, and her husband Gene. Billye Jean is survived by her daughter, Brenda Sue Wright (Bowen) and husband Ronnie; and son, Ronald Eugene Bowen and wife Janet; grandchildren, Cara Jeane Brzezicki (Wright) and husband Corey, Jason Earl Wright and wife Kathryn, Erin Lynn Ledbetter (Bowen), and Jordan Eli Bowen and wife Jamie; great-grandchildren, Camden Brzezicki, Jayden Wright, Hunter Ledbetter, Carson Brzezicki, and Kinley Wright; sister-in-law, Luetta Ritch; along with nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. The family will receive visitors 5:30PM-7:00PM on Monday, December 16, 2024 at Cornerstone Funeral Home in Muskogee. Billye Jean’s memorial service will be held at 10:00AM on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at First Baptist Church of Okay, 7530 N 37th St E, Okay, Oklahoma with the Rev. Donnie Echols officiating.

Billye Jean Bowen

December 10, 1935 - December 11, 2024