Thelma Sowers

Thelma “Sally” Sowers, 93, of Zanesville, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2026, surrounded by the compassionate care of Hospice at the Oaks at Northpointe. Born on March 21, 1933, in McConnelsville, Ohio, she was the beloved daughter of the late Clarence Willis Grist, Sr., and Leona Maxine (Carter) Grist. Sally was defined by her tireless work ethic and spent many dedicated years as a clerk for Kroger and Albertson grocery stores. A woman of steadfast faith and community spirit, she was a long-standing member of Coburn United Methodist Church, the American Legion #29, and the Order of the Eastern Star.
Sally found great joy in life’s simple pleasures and the beauty of the outdoors. She was often found enjoying a round of golf, sharing a laugh over Bingo at the Senior Center and American Legion, or embracing the freedom of the road while wintering in Florida in her RV. Her camping club was a source of many cherished memories and lifelong friendships. Above all else, Sally’s heart belonged to her family; they were the true center of her world and her greatest pride.
Her legacy lives on through her loving sons, Michael Del (Pam) Sowers, Jr., Mark Douglas (Polly) Sowers, and Matthew Donald (Tracey) Sowers. She was the adored grandmother of Jennifer Sowers, Megan (Matt) Gabellieri, Adam (Staci) Sowers, Brandi Sowers, Kelley Sowers, and Trevor (Hannah) Sowers; and the proud great-grandmother of Tatum Briggs, McKinley and MJ Gabellieri, and Isaac, Elizabeth, and Tobey Sowers. She is also survived by her nieces, Tammy (Terry) Barker and Tawnya (Pete) Pinkerton, as well as her surviving step-siblings, Jerry (Linda) Grist, Roxanna (Mike) Laycox, Patricia Grist, Deborah (Larry) Ufferman, Christina Grist, and Rodney (Carla) Grist.
In addition to her parents, Sally was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Delmar Arthur Sowers, Jr., her brother, Clarence Grist, Jr., and her step-sisters, Karen Bowman and Alice Joy (Gil) Rico.
Friends and family are invited to attend calling hours on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon at BOLIN-DIERKES FUNERAL HOME, 1271 BLUE AVENUE, ZANESVILLE. Funeral services will begin at 12:00 Noon with Pastor Mark Raaker officiating. Burial will follow at Zanesville Memorial Park.
To send a note of condolence, order flowers, please visit www.bolin-dierkesfuneralhome.com, follow us on Facebook, or call our professional staff at (740) 452-4551.