Eleanor Jane Nettleship Bowersox

Eleanor Jane Nettleship Bowersox, 96, born December 21, 1927 completed her journey here on earth on June 30, 2024 and went to her heavenly home. Waiting to greet her were numerous family and friends, including her husband of 65 years Orville C. Bowersox Jr., her first child Virginia Mae Bowersox, her parents Charles F. and Lucille S. Nettleship, her brother Charlie Nettleship III, and brother-in-law Robert D. Barnes. 

Bidding Eleanor “bon voyage” is her children Christine E. Bowersox and Karl R. Bowersox, sister June N. Barnes, sister-in-law Carol S. Nettleship, as well as a niece and two nephews. 

Eleanor’s journey began in Newark, New Jersey. She grew up in Maplewood, NJ through her teen years. In 1942 her family moved to Silver Spring, MD when her father joined the Navy for World War II. Eleanor went onto graduate from Montgomery Blair HS. In 1945 she spent a year at Wyoming Seminary, graduating in 1946. She continued into college at Western Maryland College (McDaniel College), in Westminster MD, accepting her diploma in 1951. In between her Junior and Senior years, she took supplemental classes at Boston University. 

It was during her time at Western Maryland College, that Eleanor met her husband Orville, in a Bacteriology Class. Following a several years of courtship, they married June 23, 1957. They first settled in Westminster where Orville worked for the State of Maryland and Eleanor helped take care of Orville’s mother until her passing. During that time, they suffered the loss of their first child, Virginia Mae. In the late 50’s they moved to Frederick MD when Orville worked at Ft. Detrick in the Biological Warfare Program. They were then blessed with Christine in 1959 and Karl in 1963. Motherhood was a study in endurance as both children have developmental issues. What got Eleanor through the hard times was her belief in God. 

Eleanor was an active member of Calvary United Methodist Church. She participated in many groups at Calvary including: choir (Gospel, Chancel, and The Messengers), the United Methodist Women, Administrative Board, various committees, serving as “Gal Friday” in the office as secretary/receptionist and any odd jobs that needed doing. She also went on many mission trips - domestic and overseas (multiple trips to Red Bird Mission in Kentucky, Grenada and Puerto Rico). Eleanor also got the opportunity to do some pleasure trips overseas - going to Germany (specifically Oberammergau), Great Britain, Greece, Israel and Russia. She and Orville became connected to the Strawbridge Shrine Methodist Historic Site, eventually becoming life members. Her church involvement was recognized at the local, district and conference levels. 

Eleanor was a lively lady. She was a faithful blood donor, enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, playing solitaire, going out with friends for anchovy pizza, going to Ruby Tuesday’s and China Garden. She also enjoyed bulldogs and watching sports. Eleanor's bright spirit and active mind were her best features and she will be missed by all who knew her. 

Her final gift to the world was to donate her body to the Maryland State Anatomy Board with the hope to increase medical knowledge from the use of her remains. 

Eleanor's Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, August 13, 2024, 11am, at Calvary United Methodist Church - 131 West 2nd Street, Frederick MD. Interment will be held at a later date. Those who wish to memorialize her can do so by making a contribution to the Calvary UMC Mission or Music programs in her name.

Farewell Eleanor. The world was brighter because you were in it.