Pauline Edna Bower

Pauline Edna (Hedrick) Bower, 107, of Seneca, Kansas died on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at the Life Care Center of Seneca.

Pauline was born in Basin, Wyoming on February 23, 1916, the daughter of Paul Hedrick and Mearle (Holsclaw) Hedrick.  She attended grade school in Basin, Wyoming where she participated in many dancing and acting programs.  She also attended high school in Basin until her senior year of high school.  Then, the family moved to Topeka, Kansas, and Pauline attended Topeka High School and graduated in 1935.   

Pauline loved to draw and do oil painting.  She also loved working in her yard and growing as many flowers as possible.  Pauline married Bob O. Bower on October 29, 1938, in Thermopolis, Wyoming.  They were blessed with 62 years of married bliss with most of those years spent in Seneca. 

During the earlier years of their marriage, Pauline and Bob settled in Topeka, Kansas.  Bob worked for Pauline’s uncle at the International Harvester Company and Pauline worked as a saleswoman at Pelletier’s Department Store.  On October 1, 1945, they moved to Seneca after purchasing the International Harvester dealership.  During this time, Pauline worked for the Winterscheidt Milling business.  In 1956, they sold the International Harvester business.  They bought the Western Auto business in Seneca which they operated for 24 ½ years until their retirement in 1979.  After their retirement, they enjoyed traveling throughout the United States. 

Pauline was a member of the Business and Professional Women’s Foundation where she was honored as “Women of the Year” in 1980.  She was also a member of P.E.O., the United Methodist Church Women’s Group, Story Hour, and volunteered for many other activities. 

Pauline was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bob on November 25, 2000; her brother, Burt Hedrick who was killed during World War II; and her two sisters, Catherine Mercer and Ruby Mead.

Pauline will lie in state on Thursday, January 25, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Popkess Memorial Chapel in Seneca.  A graveside service will be held on Friday, January 26, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Seneca City Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Life Care Center of Seneca sent in care of Popkess Memorial Chapel, 814 Castle Street, Seneca, Kansas 66538.