Mary J. Bower, 81, of Kent, died Monday, August 11, 2008 at her residence. She was born May 5, 1927, in Highland Park, MI to Harmon and Ruth (Norris) Leighton. She retired in 1977 as a custodian at Kent State University. The family would like thank the staff at the Kidney Dialysis Center and Kent Health Care Center for their loving care. The family also extends a special thank you to her granddaughter, Sarah for always being by her side. She enjoyed going square dancing as a member of the circulators, country and gospel music, traveling. She was a member of life time member of the Ladies Auxiliary VFW Post # 3703. She is survived sons: Paul E.(Peggy) Bower Jr. of Kent and Thomas L. (Donna) Bower of Warren; one daughter: Martha (Michael) Butcher of Kent; one sister: Sally Ruggles of Stow; five grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul in 2007. Calling hours will be held 6-8 PM Friday, August 15 at Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory in Kent where funeral services will be held 1:00 PM Saturday, August 16. (RC 8/14/08)