Linda L. Bowles
February 9, 1941 - February 19, 2012
Linda Lucille Bowles was born in Portland, Oregon at the old St. Vincent's Hospital to Paul Bowles and Lucille Kies-Bowles on February 9, 1941. The oldest of six children, she is survived by her sisters Sandra Lofquist of Portland and Elizabeth Somera of Wheeler; her brothers Steven Bowles of Abbeville, S.C., Michael Bowles of Gresham and John Bowles of Garibaldi. Linda graduated from Lake Oswego High School in 1958 and married Thomas E. Gilles August 12, 1961 and together had three children: Lisa Marie (Stephan Lashbrook), Thomas Edward Gilles (Donna) and Paul Scott Gilles. Linda has seven grandchildren: Erik Frodo Lashbrook, Melanie Rose Somera, Jessica Renee Newton, Kristin Nxumalo, Jessie Iris Hayman, Elle Rae Gilles and Severen Hubert Gilles-Lashbrook; two great-grandchildren: Ryan Lili Newton and Nicholas Lamar Gilles-Williams. Linda will be remembered best for her capacity to enjoy life as an adventure, her dry wit and gentle, loving demeanor and sense of fairness. She was a magnet for friends and the instigator of every gathering. Viewed as the Earth Mother, she nurtured us all with good food, deep love, hearty laughter and loving embrace. A lover of gardening, violets, sweet peas and tide pools she was also a fierce champion for social justice. Linda spent her entire life being in service to friends and family. She would do whatever it took to comfort those she cared about. Those of us who have had the privilege of her in our lives will sorely miss her. Her ashes will be dispersed in the surf of Manzanita along the sands where she loved to walk. A memorial potluck/lunch and gathering will be held Sunday, February 26th at the Pine Grove Community Center in downtown Manzanita at 11:30 a.m. Come with stories and remembrances to share while we celebrate her and enjoy each other.In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Bradley Angle House, Portland. Visitation at Peake Funeral Home,1925 SE Scott St. Milwaukie, OR,on Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
Linda Lucille Bowles was born in Portland, Oregon at the old St. Vincent's Hospital to Paul Bowles and Lucille Kies-Bowles on February 9, 1941. The oldest of six children, she is survived by her sisters Sandra Lofquist of Portland and Elizabeth... View Obituary & Service Information