Susan Bower

Susan Hope Bower, 75, of Idaho Falls, died October 20, 2025, at her home (the family home). She was born June 8, 1950, in Stamford, Connecticut. Susan was the third child of John R Bower Jr. and Violet Hope-Ross Bower. She and her older brothers, John and Robert, moved to Idaho Falls in 1951, when their father took a job as a chemist with the National Reactor Testing Station (now INL)

Growing up, she attended Linden Park and Longfellow elementary schools. Later, she graduated from the (new) Skyline High School in 1968. Susan attended the University of Idaho in Moscow, receiving her B.S. degree in Pre-Med. However, she decided that laboratory work might be a better choice and took a job as a med tech in the LDS Hospital in Idaho Falls. As an intern, she received her credentials and then (1973) continued in the microbiology departments of the transitioning Idaho Falls Hospitals. She retired in 2013 from Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (EIRMC). She was the primary instructor in microbiology/serology for med techs for over 25 years and was active in professional memberships on the state and national level.

Susan was member of the 1st Presbyterian Church all her life. Singing with the choir was especially fulfilling for her.

“Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
Serve the LORD with gladness:
Come before his presence with singing” Psalm 100:1 KJ

Susan also served on various committees, local and district-wide, for the Presbyterian Church. In addition, she was a member of P.E.O (Philanthropic Educational Organization) for over 50 years, where she served in many capacities, including state president. She greatly anticipated their annual conventions, providing scholarships, and advancing the interests of young women. She made lifelong friends from across the country.

Being single, she said, “the right guy never came along”. Susan devoted herself to community involvement (and her family and friends). If it happened in Idaho Falls, Susan was probably there (or somewhere ‘behind the scenes’). She served on the boards of the Idaho Falls Symphony Society, Idaho Falls Arts Council, Idaho Falls Opera Theatre, Arts for Idaho, and I.F. Community Concerts. Susan also supported other groups, like the ARTI theatre, the Museum of Idaho and the Idaho Falls Zoo. If there was a charity or need, she most likely contributed (even when she couldn’t really afford it).

If it was summer, you might find her on the golf course (I.F. Women’s Golf Association) or at the baseball park cheering for the Chukars. Susan had season tickets since she retired. Someone new will have ‘her seat’ and no doubt “the crazy lady with the long white hair and a floppy hat” (her words), will be missed.

During her life she also found time to visit all 50 states and most of the provinces of Canada. She liked to travel and loved her family and friends. Canada was/is special, especially the people. Susan’s mother was Canadian. Susan had many aunts and uncles . . . and cousins there. Her brother, Robert, always depended on her to lovingly recite the ‘who’s who’ of their names, dates, births, marriages, and funerals.

She is survived by her brother, Robert R. Bower (Nancy) of Idaho Falls, and their son, Gordon of Fortine, Montana; her sister-in-law, Pat (John, deceased) of Lynchburg, Virginia, and their daughters, Anne of Mooresville, North Carolina, and Jean of SLC Utah.

With travel issues, and coming winter weather, along with holiday conflicts on the calendar, a remembrance gathering for Susan will be planned next spring.
It will likely be sometime between the first golf ball tee off . . . and when the umpire hollers, “Play Ball”.

Condolences may be sent to the family and stories about Susan for her gathering
next spring to www.woodfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, Susan would suggest donations to the charity of your choice.