Marla Jean (Kluherz) Bowlin, 74, of Culbertson, Nebraska, passed away peacefully of natural causes on February 22, 2026.

Marla was born on August 28, 1951, in Denver, Colorado. She was born to Jeryne (Ruttman) Goodrich and was later lovingly adopted by Laurine A. (Newhouse) Kluherz and Kenneth R. Kluherz. She graduated from Torrington High School in Torrington, Wyoming, in 1969. Continuing her passion for education, she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Chadron State College in Chadron, Nebraska, in May of 1988.

Marla was united in marriage in May 1969, and to this union two children were born. She later married William Bowlin in June 1981, who preceded her in death. Through her marriages, Marla built a family that she cherished deeply.

Throughout her life, Marla devoted herself to serving others. She worked as a substitute teacher, paraprofessional for McCook Public Schools, school bus driver, and held various customer service positions ranging from cashier to management. Her professional life reflected her natural compassion and desire to uplift those around her, especially children and members of her community.

Marla was Presbyterian by faith but found comfort worshiping wherever she felt the welcoming embrace of the Lord. She had a deep love for gardening, fishing, and spending time in nature—whether watching a sunrise, sunset, or simply enjoying the beauty of the outdoors in any weather. Her greatest passions were her family, friends, community youth, and animals.

She will be remembered as compassionate, selfless, non-judgmental, loving, encouraging, and unwaveringly supportive. Marla loved herself, but she loved everyone and everything around her even more. She would give up everything she had to make sure someone else could smile and feel valued, even if only for a moment.

She was preceded in death by her natural mother, Jeryne Goodrich; her adoptive parents, Laurine A. (Newhouse) Kluherz and Kenneth R. Kluherz; her ex-husband, William Bowlin; her partner, Jack Sidbury; her brothers, Bob Kluherz and Don Kluherz; and her sister, Suzanne Wiedel.

She is survived by her children, Darla (Dale R. Bose) Bowlin of McCook, Nebraska, and Terry (Tamrah) Jackson; her adopted children, Aron Bowlin and Treysa Bowlin; her sister, Peggy Ballinger of Kansas; her brothers, Jerrol Kluherz of Florida, Tom (Sherly) Goodrich of Texas, Don Goodrich of Colorado, and John (Laurie) Goodrich of Nebraska; her brother-in-law, Greg Wiedel of South Dakota; her grandchildren, Gyce (Tabitha) Bowlin of Wyoming, Christopher (Katy) Bowlin of Nebraska, Taygen , Laila Jackson, Quinlin Jackson, Rachel Bose of Nebraska, and Dale R. Bose Jr. of Nebraska; as well as numerous great-grandchildren.

Service arrangements are pending and will be announced at a later date.

Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, are to be designated in Marla’s name at a later date.