Viva Bowen, age 97, of New Ulm died on Friday, May 17, 2024, at Woodstone Senior Living Center.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at Cambria Presbyterian Church. Pastor Penny Johnson will officiate the service, and burial will follow.

Visitation will be from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, before the funeral at Cambria Presbyterian Church in Cambria.

The Minnesota Valley Funeral Homes of New Ulm are assisting the family with arrangements.

To leave an online condolence for her family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: www.mvfh.org

Viva is survived by daughters Karen Harder of Courtland and Diane (Richard) Pippert of Tiffin, Iowa; 7 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; and 6 great great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband Gordon; daughter Kathleen; great grandson Jackson Bieraugel; great great grandson Jayce Botten; and parents Emrys and Gwen Lloyd.

Viva Elizabeth Lloyd was born on December 23, 1926, to Emrys and Gwen (Evans) Lloyd. She graduated from New Ulm High School in 1944 She married Gordon Bowen in 1945. They were blessed with three daughters Kathleen, Karen, and Diane. Viva worked at Kraft in New Ulm for many years. She also worked at The Cat and the Fiddle. Viva and Gordon enjoyed traveling, fishing, camping, and making crafts together.

Viva was very active in the Cambria Presbyterian Church playing organ and singing in the choir. She shared her love of music teaching her grandchildren and great grandchildren how to play the piano and sing different parts in harmony. Viva enjoyed when the family made music. She made fine memories laughing and sharing at family reunions. Her greatest joys in life were being with her family playing games like Wahoo and Trivial Pursuit, helping with 4H projects, gardening, and laughing and telling stories with family. She loved to cook with her grandchildren, teach them to sew, and attend their events. She set an example for her family teaching them the importance of hard work, never giving up, and tenacity. She will be missed by all who knew her. Blessed be her memory.