Frances Ware Bowlin , 91, of Tenaha, passed away Friday, February 13, 2026 surrounded by loving family. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Ramah Baptist Church, Tenaha. Interment will follow at Ramah Cemetery.

She is survived by her daughter, Beverly Bowlin Martin and husband Keith, of Tenaha, daughter-in-law, Terry Dean Bowlin, of Tenaha; grandchildren Krystal Martin Swink and husband, Arron of Tyler, Kaylan Martin Prieb and husband, David of McPherson, KS, Emily Bowlin Lemoine and husband Joseph of Tenaha, Kelly Martin Cooper and husband, Jacob of Shelbyville, and Benjamin Wade Bowlin and wife, Tamara of Tenaha; great grandchildren Lilia Swink, Jaycee Cooper, Kenneth Lane Cooper, Jaxson Lemoine, Parker Lemoine, Benjamin Bryson Bowlin, Braya Bowlin; and special nieces Emily Culver Beaird and Brenda Culver.

Preceded in death by her parents, Ralph Lamar Ware and Katie Crump Ware; husband Benjamin Morris Bowlin Jr.; brother, Jimmy Lamar Ware; sister Rose Ware Culver; and sons, Benjamin Lamar Bowlin and Bryan Wade Bowlin.

Mrs. Bowlin loved the Lord, she became a Christian at the age of 13. She loved to read and hear Bible passages. She lived her love for the Lord by generously serving her school community and family. She invested her relationships and enjoyed knowing everyone deeply. She had a gift for seeing people genuinely, remembering and honoring their time in her life and retelling the stories of those she loved with detail and joy. She was a lifelong friend to anyone she met, opening her home often and keeping in contact across miles and years.

She was a beloved elementary school teacher, serving students in Center and Tenaha for 30 years. She faithfully read a Bible story to her students every day. She cherished her relationships with her students, co-teachers, and often told stories of special days in school with them by name. Her sharp memory held places for all the special friends and family she shared seasons of life with.

She loved to travel with her husband and family, dedicating many summers to special mountain trips and making memories with her siblings, cousins, children, grandchildren and nieces.

Her hobbies included sewing, gardening, and baking – especially tea cakes.

In lieu of flowers, Mrs. Bowlin would be honored most if loved ones would find opportunities to read, especially Bible stories, with children. Donations could also be made to Christian ministries or educational programs in her honor.