She was born on Feb. 21, 1929 in Riverton, Wyo. to John and Alberta Mills Bowen.
She was raised and attended schools in Nyssa, graduating in the class of 1948. She was united in marriage to LaVern Cleaver on June 20, 1948. They lived in Nyssa and she was a full-time mom, staying home to raise their children until they were out of school. They moved to Burns for a few years and then to Weiser, Idaho. Bernice worked in the office of Feltham Growers Onion Shed until she retired. They moved to Hermiston in 1995 to be close to their family.
She was a member of the Elks Lodge in Ontario and the Eagles Lodge in Nyssa, and later the Elks and Eagles Lodges in Hermiston. She was a member of the Camper Club, and they enjoyed traveling in the motorhome. She enjoyed fishing, sewing, quilting, needlework, playing cards and dancing.
She is survived by her sons, Alan Cleaver and wife Bonnie, Hermiston, Wesley Cleaver and wife Debbie, Hermiston, Kevin Cleaver and wife Georgia, Umatilla, and Kim Cleaver and wife Diana, Fruitland, Idaho; daughter, Karry Fallin and husband Doug, Prineville; brothers, Jack Bowen, Pendleton, and Bill Bowen, St. Maries, Idaho; 12 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and brother, Robert Bowen.
A graveside funeral service will be held on Monday, April 10, 2017 at 11 a.m. Mountain Standard Time at Hilltop Memorial Cemetery in Nyssa.
Please sign the online condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
