Vicki Vernay Bowman

Vicki Vernay Bowman passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by family on August 26, 2025 under the care of Brio Health and Hospice. She was 80 years old.

Vicki was born on March 2, 1945, in Shelley, Idaho to Vern and Velda Nelson. She was the oldest of six children, which included brothers Rex, Dale and Lin, and sisters Janet and Roxie. She grew up in Shelley and was proud to be a part of a close-knit community where she developed a deep knowledge of the town's history, the people who lived there, and the connections that brought everyone together.

Vicki graduated from Shelley High School in 1963. She married the love of her life, Farr Kelsey Bowman, on March 25, 1966, and together they raised a loving family in Shelley, where her nurturing spirit and warm heart were the foundation of their home. Farr passed away on February 19, 2019, and Vicki carried on their shared legacy of love and family throughout the remainder of her life.

Vicki worked various jobs over the years, including at Mert's Drive-In, helping with the potato harvest, and working at a nursing home, where her caring nature shone through. Vicki enjoyed activities such as bowling and spending time with anyone who came to visit. She was a staple of her community, always ready to share a piece of history about Shelley with anyone who would listen.

However, her greatest joy was always her family. She and Farr raised two daughters, Rhonda Kristine Bowman (Frank) Newman and Natalie Vae Bowman Atchley, in the town they both loved. Vicki’s love for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren was boundless. She was a devoted caretaker, taking pride in the fact her grandchildren felt loved, well-fed and supported in every way. She was the grandmother to eight grandchildren: Nathan Shane and Kelsey NaShelle Countryman, Jeremy Frank, Zachary Austin, Morgan Kristopher, and Jordan Farr Newman, and McKinley Dawn and Hunter Rick Atchley. Her legacy extends even further with thirteen great-grandchildren: Oliver, Logan, Grizzly, and Ranger Newman; Elijah, De’Andre, and Makena Smith; BlakeLee, Amara, and Camryn Campos; and Gavin, Dillon, and Julian Ibarra.

Vicki was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Farr Kelsey Bowman; her parents, Vern and Velda Nelson; her brothers Rex and Lin Nelson. She is survived by her daughters, Rhonda (Frank) Newman of Idaho Falls, ID, and Natalie Bowman Atchley of Shelley, ID; her sisters Janet Mays and Roxie (Jerry) Landon, both of Idaho Falls, ID; her brother Dale Nelson of Mountain Home, ID; and all of her grandchildren.

Vicki spent her life tending to her family, creating a warm and welcoming home filled with love and laughter. Her dedication to her family, her kindness, and her unwavering support of those she loved will never be forgotten. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the many family, friends, neighbors and caregivers who have supported Vicki and her family during this time.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, August 30, 2025 at Nalder Funeral Home (110 West Oak) in Shelley. The family will meet with friends Friday evening from 6:00-7:30 PM and on Saturday morning from 10:00-10:45 AM at the Nalder Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Shelley Hillcrest Cemetery.

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