The Mariners have lost their biggest fan, Gertrude E. Bowker, resident of Coeur d'Alene, passed away Jan. 7, 2012. She was born Feb. 8, 1930, in Winnett, Mont., to George Lyle and Juanita Verona (Rice) Wood.

She was raised in Western Montana. She married Owen Bowker in 1951 and together they raised their six children in Cut Bank, Mont. In 1990 she moved to Coeur d'Alene. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Coeur d'Alene and the Coeur d'Alene Eagles where she served as president in 1997. Gertrude enjoyed crocheting, crafts, darts and watching the Mariners.

She is survived by all her children, Karen D. (Ronnie) Omsberg of Casper, Wyo., Gary O. (Cheryl) Bowker of Rudyard, Mont., David L. (Kim) Bowker of Havre, Mont., Sandra L. (Gerald "Tom") of Coeur d'Alene, Rita R. Bowker of Billings, Mont., and Juanita I. (Craig) Burson of Weston, Fla.; 13 grandchildren; 16 1/2 great-grandchildren; sisters, Twila, Reveta and Beverly; and brothers, Dennis, Melvin and Earl.

Gertrude is preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Louise and Audrey; and brothers, Wayne, Dale and Lloyd.

Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 812 N. Fifth St., Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814 or Hospice of North Idaho, 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835.

Viewing will be held from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2012, at English Funeral Chapel, Coeur d'Alene. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2012, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Coeur d'Alene, reception will follow. Burial will be at the Coeur d'Alene Memorial Gardens.

The kindest of souls who will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Please sign Gertrude's guest registry and view her online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.