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KEEGAN -- Jess L. Keegan, 88, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 31, 2011 at her home in Corrales, NM following a series of strokes. Jess was born on September 17, 1922 in Giles, TX to Albert G. and Lulabelle Huffmaster. She grew up in Giles and Estelline, TX, where her father was railroad stationmaster. She graduated from high school at age 16 and attended West Texas State College (now known as West Texas A&M University) in Canyon, TX. In 1944, she married Sam W. Bowman, Jr. of Albuquerque, a career Air Force officer. Three sons were born of that marriage, and after living in California, North Carolina, and Ohio, the family moved to the Corrales area in 1959. While living in Corrales, Jess participated in many community activities, including the Corrales Fireman's Ball and the melodramatic production "The Saga of Corrales Sal" in 1959. After her first marriage ended in divorce, Jess married Robert E. "Bob" Keegan in 1966, who worked for Litton Industries at the time. Over the next 25 years, Jess and Bob lived in Southern California, Maryland, and Massachusetts. While living in Massachusetts, Jess was active in the Federated Women's Club and served a term as its state president. In 1991, Jess and Bob returned to Corrales, where they were active in the Sandoval County Historical Society and other community and political organizations. Throughout her life, Jess was active in the Episcopal Church and served as organist at St. Bartholomew Episcopal Church in Laytonsville, MD. Jess was preceded in death by her husband Bob in 2009. She is survived by three sons: Sam W. Bowman III and wife Sue of St. Charles, MO, James E. Bowman of Frederick, MD, and Stephen K. Bowman and wife Lorraine Leftwich of Corrales; as well as grandchildren Sam W. Bowman IV, Wendy Bowman, Drew Bowman, Leslie Bowman, and James R. Bowman. Jess was matriarch of the clan, and her gentle guidance, patience, and understanding will be missed by all. Jess will be laid to rest alongside her parents in the Huffmaster family plot in Memphis, TX in a private family service. The family plans a memorial service and celebration of her life in Corrales at a date and place to be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Sandoval County Historical Society, P.O. Box 692, Bernalillo, NM 87004. The family gives special thanks to Mary Gallegos of Corrales, the caregivers from Home Instead, and the folks at Hospice of the Sandias, all of whom provided Jess with such supportive and tender care during her final years. To view funeral information or leave condolences please visit www.danielsfuneral.com. Arrangements are entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services Sara Road Chapel 4310 Sara Road SE Rio Rancho, New Mexico 87124 505-892-9920
        Published on: Sun February 06, 2011