Barbara Rhone Bowie passed away peacefully on June 6, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family after a courageous battle with ALS. She was 91 years old.
Born on July 10, 1934, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Dr. Thomas Beck Rhone and Margaret Elsie Rhone, Barbara moved to Orange County as an infant and spent nearly her entire life helping shape the community she loved.
While attending the University of Colorado, Boulder, Barbara met Alexander “Alex” Bowie, the man who would become her husband and lifelong partner. Alex often said that from the moment he first saw Barbara at a local ice cream shop, he knew she was the one. Married on July 10, 1956, they spent nearly seventy years building a life together filled with love, family, friendship, adventure, philanthropy, and unwavering devotion to one another.
Barbara was devoted to her family and was the steady heart of the Bowie household. Her wisdom, strength, and unwavering support provided the foundation upon which generations of family members would build their lives. Her partnership with Alex was one of deep admiration, loyalty, and love, a bond that remained unbroken throughout her life and especially during her final journey.
A passionate advocate for education, the arts, and charitable causes, Barbara dedicated countless hours to organizations that enriched the lives of others. She was a founding member of Angels of the Arts and served as its President from 1985 to 1987. She was deeply involved in the growth and support of the arts in Orange County and was proud to be part of the community effort that helped establish what is now the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Throughout her life, she also supported numerous organizations dedicated to youth mentorship, education, women’s empowerment, and community service.
Barbara’s life was marked by extraordinary resilience. For decades she battled multiple sclerosis, a disease that at times left her unable to walk. Refusing to accept limitations, she ultimately regained her mobility and later chronicled her journey in her book, From Wheelchair to Dance Floor: How One Woman Conquered MS and You Can Too!. Her story inspired countless individuals facing their own challenges and reflected her lifelong belief that optimism, perseverance, faith, and joy could overcome even the greatest obstacles.
Friends knew Barbara for her warmth, generosity, elegance, sense of humor, and remarkable ability to bring people together. Whether hosting friends, supporting charitable causes, traveling the world, dancing, playing bridge, enjoying golf, or simply sharing conversation and laughter, she approached every day with enthusiasm and gratitude.
Barbara is survived by her devoted husband, Alex; her beloved children, Becky and Brian; and a wide circle of family and friends whose lives were enriched by her kindness, encouragement, and friendship. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Suzanne Miller.
Barbara often encouraged others to “Find your purpose and pursue it. Focus on the positive. And always do your best and have fun.”
Those words beautifully capture the way she lived her life.
Plans for a Celebration of Life are currently underway and will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Erase MS. After courageously battling multiple sclerosis for decades and inspiring countless others through her example and her book, Barbara would be honored to know that support is being directed toward helping future generations affected by this disease.
