MCLEANSBORO – Caroline G. Bowling, 91, of McLeansboro, IL, passed away on Friday, July 26, 2024.
Caroline was born April 14, 1933, to F.L. “Cappy” and Winnie Aydt of Dahlgren, IL. On January 10, 1952, she married James “Jim” Bowling who preceded her in death on November 2, 1980.
She attended St. John Nepomucene Catholic School and later graduated Dahlgren Township High School in Dahlgren, IL. She was a member of St. Clements Catholic Church and served on the ladies’ auxiliary for many years. Caroline worked at the McLeansboro Times Leader newspaper and later as a Bookkeeper at Teffertiller Motors for 35+ years. She was an avid reader. She loved to travel, going on countless bus trips with friends. She also enjoyed annual trips to Branson and Gatlinburg for many years. Other hobbies include watching birds and taking care of her flowers, but most of all she loved spending time with family. In her spare time, Caroline has volunteered in the community through Hamilton County Hungry Hearts and children’s reading programs.
Caroline is survived by her four children, Kathy (Fred) Kerley of Benton, IL, John (Vicki) Bowling of Dahlgren, IL, Sandy Bowling (Billy Cardwell) of Benton, IL, and Steve (Sherry) Bowling of McLeansboro, IL. In addition to her children, she is survived by eight grandchildren, Jonathan (Sue) Scattone, Jeffrey (Cara) Bowling, Jimmy Bowling, Derek Bowling, and Dylan Bowling all of McLeansboro, IL, Kelly (Chris) Petit, Ocean Springs, MS, Christopher Kerley, Benton, IL, and Damien (Leslie) Bowling, Flora, IL; nine great-grandchildren, Jacob Scattone (Maggie), Nadia Kerley, Leah and Finn Bowling, Emery, Drew, and Casey Bowling, and Quinn and Riley Petit; and one great-great-grandchild on the way. She is also survived by one sister-in-law, Ann (Phil) Ellis of Fredericksburg, VA; several nieces and nephews, and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; parents, F.L. Cappy and Winnie Aydt; brother, Jerome (Reba) Aydt; and great-grandson, Jace Robert Bowling.
Caroline will be remembered for her kindness, humor, and fun-loving spirit.
Funeral services for Caroline (Aydt) Bowling will be held at noon on Friday, August 2, 2024, at Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro with Father Tom Barrett officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at noon on Friday at the funeral home. Interment will follow the funeral service at St. Clements Catholic Cemetery in McLeansboro, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, in remembrance of Jace Robert Bowling, and will be accepted at Gholson Funeral Home.
Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gholsonfuneralhome.com.