Carol Ann Dorner

Carol Ann Dorner (Bowman), age 81, of Bellbrook, OH, beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2026. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, generosity and countless memories shared with family and friends. Her proudest achievement was sharing her life with her beloved husband, Tom. They were married for 59 years and never had an argument. She was showered with fresh flowers almost daily from Tom over their many decades together. They were rarely apart, running a business together, working together and living together with harmony and grace.

Born to the late Ward & Mary (Anthony) Bowman and raised in Sidney, OH, she graduated from Holy Angels High School in 1963. She moved to Dayton, OH to start a family with Tom. She worked in the offices of automotive companies, which prepared her for their move back to Sidney to take over the family business, Bowman Brothers car lot, where she began her career many years earlier helping her dad with the bookkeeping at the age of 12. She ultimately became the Chief Financial Officer and Office Manager. She earned an associate degree in accounting from Edison Community College. She brought dedication, intelligence, and dependability to everything she did to run the business.

Family was always at the center of her life. She showed devotion, care & love in all her relationships. She never missed a wrestling match and her frequent encouraging shouts of “Come on, Steve!” could be heard by all in attendance. She created a home where her children’s friends were always welcome. She made people feel loved, included, and at home. She knew when to look the other way and let her children have a little fun—and she also knew exactly when they had crossed the line. Her guidance was firm when necessary, but always rooted in love. Her family will always remember her double batches of chocolate chip cookies, hot fudge brownie pudding cake, enchiladas, and "Chip Tam" on toast - comforting foods that became part of the family's story.

Some of her happiest memories were made on the water at Norris Lake, TN. She enjoyed boating and water skiing during family lake trips that evolved over the years from tent camping in the wilderness, to KOA campsites, motels, and a trailer, eventually leading to the construction of a lake front dream home, where she acted as her own general contractor, helping bring that dream to life. She also enjoyed a friendly golf bet, often represented by signed dollar bills displayed on the refrigerator.

Retirement gave her & Tom more time to enjoy frequent trips to the lake, family gatherings and an opportunity to have an enduring presence in the lives of her grandchildren. She enjoyed playing cards and dominoes with family and friends, and was a spirited and competitive card player when playing with her sisters. She treasured her annual trips with them and the time they spent together throughout the years. She became an avid puzzler, and had a well-known love of anything chocolate, especially Esther Price candy. After years of enjoying attending the annual “Big Wheel Races” in their daughter’s neighborhood, she & Tom moved to the Bellbrook, OH neighborhood to be close to their daughter.

She is preceded in death by her brother, Steve and survived by her husband, Tom: her daughter, Melissa & husband Vince of Bellbrook, OH; her son, Steve & wife Kim of Wilmington, OH; her grandchildren, Alex of Columbus, OH, Collin of Austin, TX and Ben of Detroit, MI; her sisters, Janie & husband Mel of Englewood, OH and Julie & husband Rich of Sidney, OH; and many beloved extended family members and friends.

Her family will hold a celebration of life at a later date. Memorial gifts may be made to Hospice of Dayton (Click HERE to donate).

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her. Her love, laughter, devotion, and the home she created for her family will remain with them always.

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