JoAnn Bower, age 88, of Zephyrhills, FL, and Fremont, MI, passed away suddenly on Dec 20, 2025, while at home with her husband in Zephyrhills.

She was born on Dec 13, 1937, in Hesperia, Michigan, to parents Earl and Bertha (Stowers) Mendham.

JoAnn enjoyed attending services at New River Church in Zephyrhills, FL, and White Lake Methodist Church in Whitehall, MI. She was also a member of Hesperia American Legion Auxiliary Post #411.

She was a graduate of Muskegon High School. After high school, JoAnn held various jobs, but being employed at the YMCA in Grand Haven, MI, was among her favorites. She was able to retire with over 20 years of dedicated service.

She married Robert Bower on May 2, 1992, in Spring Lake, MI. Together they enjoyed traveling while camping in their RV around the country, snowmobiling,

and motorcycle touring. They also enjoyed spending time with family members and even took multiple extended trips to Alaska to visit cousins.

JoAnn sought numerous volunteer opportunities and received great pleasure giving back to any community where she happened to be spending time.

She was well known for easily making friends wherever she went, but among her favorites were her grade school girlfriends known as the Magnificent Seven. The group of cherished friends were still known to meet up a few times a year and thoroughly enjoyed their time together.

JoAnn is survived by her husband Robert and sons Brian Brand (Donnette) and Mark Brand (Teresa), four grandchildren, Tierra, Travis, Katie, Kyle, and 10 great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by her sister Mary Ann Mendham (Paul Stachowski and niece Atlantis Piasecki.

She was preceded in death by her parents Earl and Bertha Mendham.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Colony Hills Community Clubhouse, 35144 Wagner Way, Zephyrhills, FL 33541 on January 18, 2026, at 2PM.

There will also be a Celebration of Life held in Michigan, date to be announced later this spring.

Interment will take place at East Hesperia Cemetery.

Arrangements made by Hodges Family Funeral Home, Zephyrhills, FL.

Beacon Cremation and Funeral Services, Hesperia, MI.