Gayla Bowen

Age 65 of Mt. Morris, died at home unexpectedly on Saturday, January 25, 2020. In accordance with Gayla’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Life Celebration will be held at 4:00 pm on Thursday, January 30, 2020, at Martin Funeral, Cremation & Tribute Services in Mt. Morris. Gayla’s family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, from 2:00 pm until the time of service at 4:00 pm. Memorial donations may be directed to the Genesee County Humane Society. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. Gayla was born on December 2, 1954, in Flint, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Joe and Margaret (Pearl) Forrest. Growing up in Beecher, Gayla graduated from Beecher High School with the class of 1972. After graduation, Gayla would go to work for Kmart as a cashier, working her way up to management before retiring with 25 years of service; however, Gayla’s most important job was as a mom, grandma, and great-grandma. In her free time, she enjoyed gardening, traveling, riding motorcycles, decorating for the holidays, playing cards, spending time with family and friends, and attending her grandchildren’s activities. Gayla leaves to cherish her memory, her partner in life and best friend of 42 years, Gary Howard; five children: Tracy, and husband, Jamey Hutchison, Michael, and wife, Jody Bowen, Stacy, and husband, Bruce Rockwell, Christina, and husband, Jeremy Hassar, and Angela Bowen, and fiancé, Nathan Riley; grandchildren: A.J., Kamryn, Carissa, Kyle, Kayla, Timmy, Carlee, Sammi, Josh, Triston, and Devin; great-grandchildren: Bentley, and Sophia; brother, Joe Wayne, and wife, Sallee Forrest; sisters: Sis McHugh, Tammy Cudney, and Mitzi Forrest; several nieces; nephews; friends; and her special dog, and companion, Tulip. She was preceded in death by her parents.