Leanna Bowen

Leanna Marie (Criner) Bowen, valiant and courageous, passed peacefully while in the arms of family on April 7, 2015. Leanna was born June 13, 1967 in Gallipolis, Ohio to Ervin Curtis and Linda Lee (Halley) Criner and is the loving friend and sister to Danny, who was invaluable to her and her greatest support in her fight against breast cancer. Leanna's most treasured role in life was that of mother to William Lee and Nicholas James Patrick, who were her pride, joy, heart, soul and greatest loves. She joins her grandparents, Darius Virgil and Bertis Joanna (Butcher) Halley and Rudy and Lena Mae (Walker) Criner, and uncle Carol Odell Criner, and uncle Herb Rowland. Leanna is loved and missed by her aunts and uncles, Chuck and Diana (Halley) Raming, John and Brenda (Stover) Halley, and Phyllis (Criner) Rowland; several cousins; husband and dear friend, William Jack Bowen; as well as by her many friends made throughout her years; and her pet children, Sonic and Eloise. She graduated from Hilliard High School in 1985 where she was inducted into the National Honor Society, was a member of the varsity softball team and was a member of the marching band, where she played clarinet and bass drum. She graduated from The Ohio State University in 1990 with a Bachelor's Degree, and earned her Master's Degree from Marygrove College. A lifelong resident of Hilliard, Ohio, Leanna taught Fifth grade for 23 years at Avery Elementary School, where she devoted herself to teaching children to be thoughtful in their studies, words and actions, to be kind to each other, and to love to read. She was especially excited to teach students to appreciate and think about music in new ways, in particular jazz theory which she was excited to teach her students as it related to their math studies. Leanna's laughter, sense of humor, kindness and generosity of spirit will always remain in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her. We feel the way you would. Family will receive friends Sunday April 12, 2015 from 3-5 p.m. at the TIDD FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 5265 Norwich St., Hilliard, OH 43026, where a celebration of life service will be held at 5 p.m. Graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday at the Ohio Valley Memory Gardens, 1229 Neighborhood Rd., Gallipolis, OH 45631. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Leanna M. Bowen Memorial fund. C/O Avery P.T.O 4388 Avery Rd. Hilliard, OH 43026.