Romaine Smith Bowling

Romaine S. Bowling, “Ro”, of Owings, MD, died July 20, 2019 at her home, at the age of 86. She was born October 12, 1932, in Mt. Gay, WV to Nora M. Smith and William W. Smith. She was one of 12 children. Ro met and later married Rodney “Rod” I. Bowling while in High School. She and Rod would have celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary in August 2019. Ro’s family was her highest priority and she loved them greatly. They have three children, a daughter-in-law, and a son-inlaw, DeAnna (Bowling) Forsht, Ray Forsht, Rexford Bowling, Donna Bowling, and Robert Bowling. They also have eight Grandchildren, Richard Forsht and wife, Vera, Ron Forsht and wife, Lori, Jaime (Forsht) Ludka and husband, Steve, Kelly (Forsht) Queen and husband Christian, Matthew Forsht, Ryan Bowling, Mitchell Bowling and wife, Kasey, and Monica Bowling. Ro and Rod also have 12 Great-Grandchildren, Anthony Forsht, Megan Ludka, Michael Ludka, Lucas Queen, Tyler Queen, Emmaline Queen, Olivia Bowling, Molly Bowling, Carmel Katz, Jordan Forsht, LillyAnna Forsht and Ethan Forsht. She was the sister-in-law of Bill Bowling (Carolyn) and Laura Meadows. As a young girl, Romaine was popular in high school and sang on the radio. She maintained many of these friendships and made new ones throughout the years. She and Rod began their family in Logan, WV and moved to Maryland in 1960, when Rod was called to Army active service. They moved their home many times with each new assignment during Rod’s 32 year Army career. In 1964, they moved to England where Ro became an essential element of Rod’s career. Upon their return to the United States in 1969, Rod began his first tour of duty to Viet Nam and Ro assumed the responsibilities of home and family until his return. She assumed this role again for his second assignment to Viet Nam. Ro embraced Rod’s assignment to Canada with her usual energy and enthusiasm for new adventures. She started, operated, and taught her own ceramic business and enjoyed making new friends. Ro was very talented and pursued craft-making for many years. She made beautiful and ornate candles, lampshades and ceramics. She took guitar lessons. But her most remarkable talent was her oil painting. She loved to paint and produced many paintings that hang in our homes with pride. Ro has been a constant support and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister, daughter and friend for 70 years. She is greatly loved, respected and appreciated and will be greatly missed. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Romaine Smith Bowling please visit our Sympathy Store.