Bonita Karleen Dowis
(August 31, 1936 - June 14, 2019)

Bonita Karleen Dowis, 82 of Huntington, WV, went to her heavenly home, Friday, June 14, 2019 at the Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House, Huntington.   Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 AM Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at the Reger Funeral Chapel, by Pastor Steve Sullivan.  Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Huntington.  Bonita was born August 31, 1936 in Huntington, WV, a daughter of the late Homer and Hazel Sharp Russell.  She was also preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Billy Ray Dowis, one sister Dr. Movita Pickens, and one brother-in-law and sister-in-law Frank and Betty Dowis Meadows.  Bonita is survived by one son Russell Ray (Diana Lycans) Dowis of Huntington, three daughters,  Penny Dowis Wiles (Randy), Col (Ret) Katrina K. Dowis, all of Huntington; Mindy Dowis Davis (Bryan) of Kenova. She is also survived by ten grandchildren: Jeremy Wiles, Courtney Dowis Spurlock (Rodney), TSgt Darren Wiles, Elizabeth Dowis Matthews (Gary,) Brady Wiles, Chase Davis, Delaney Davis, Sidney Davis, Savannah Davis, Reece Davis; and six great-grandchildren: Elijah Spurlock, Patelin Spurlock, Hazley Matthews, Faith Spurlock, Luke Spurlock and Hendrix Matthews; one brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bob (Gail) Dowis of Huntington.  In addition, numerous nephews and nieces survive her as well: Kevin (Jen) Meadows, Karie Dowis Spurlock (Tom), Brice (Amy) Dowis, Roderick (Sara) Pickins, Lynn (John) Poliks; great-nephews and nieces: Jack, Will, Nick Meadows, Logan Spurlock, Katie Dowis, Matt, Zack and Grace Pickens, Marissa and Karen Poliks; cousins, Frank (Doraleen) Dowis, Frankie Dowis, Chuck (Gwen) Dowis, friend Lorraine Troglin and many others, including her church family at Good Samaritan Church as well as a longtime friend and neighbor Judy Lycans;  Bonita was also an extended mother and grandmother to many. Visitation will be from 6-8 PM Monday, at the Reger Funeral Home. She will be missed but she has left behind such a powerful foot print on this earth, that we should learn from.