Babe Bowlsby, or Marilyn Ann Bowlsby, passed away peacefully, surrounded by love and family, on July 22, 2024, at the age of 91, in her home in Reno, of natural causes.
Marilyn, better known as “Babe,” was born in Stockton, CA, in January 1933 to Lawerence and Zelda Canepa. Marilyn was raised in Manteca, CA, with her brother Larry Canepa and graduated from Manteca High School. Babe spent many summers with her grandparents in Nicasio, CA, working in their Italian restaurant.
Manteca was the place where she met the love of her life, Albert, known as “Red,” at the soda fountain that his parents owned on Yosemite Ave. in Manteca, CA.
Red and Babe were married in December 1953 in Reno, NV, against her parents' wishes. Red was a Marine, and shortly after their marriage, they moved to Vallejo, where Red was stationed. In 1955, Babe gave birth to their first child, Colleen, in Oakland, CA. In 1959, their second child, Mark, was born, also in Stockton, CA.
By 1963, following Red’s honorable discharge from the service, Red, Babe, and the kids decided to move to Fallon, NV, for a job opportunity. Red loved the romance of cowboy stories and was highly intrigued by horses, ranch work, and leather goods. Red and Babe worked many jobs: bartending, food service, ranch work, you name it, they did it.
Babe was a Churchill County phone operator and co-owner of Sun Down Saddlery in Fallon, NV. This is what Red and Babe were known for. Red loved building saddles, making leather goods, and restoring heirloom saddles for families. They were staples in the Fallon community for over 50 years.
Babe is preceded in death by her loving husband, Red or Albert L Bowlsby, Her daughter Colleen Thompson, and her son, Mark Bowlsby.
She is survived by her grandchildren, Jerry Gunsch of Reno, NV, Marilyn Whitney of Reno, NV, and Jennifer Gunsch of Fernley, NV, and her great-grandchildren Preston Haynes, Isabell Bartles, James Bartles, Resse Whitney, and Hudson Whitney.
Grandma Babe will forever be missed. Babe loved to cook, shop, drink Fireball, play slot machines, and have a good time. She especially loved going to the 395 here in the North Valleys. She was so full of energy and life, even right up to the last minute of life. Nothing will ever be the same without her.
A celebration of life will be planned. The date has yet to be determined. If you would like to be a part of her celebration, please email, and more information will be provided. [email protected]
Comment
Comments