Talya D. Bowland

Beloved Mom, Sister, Aunt, friend, teacher/coach and avid dog lover, Talya Dyan Bowland, age 80, passed on to her heavenly home on May 16, 2019 after a brief battle with heart issues. Born in Wichita, Kansas on September 30, 1938. Talya is survived by her daughter, Stacy Ann Hodges-Thomson; son-in-law Thomas Thomson; son Brian D. Hodges and spouse, Angela; brother & sister-in-law Richard & Milly Mastin: sister and brother-in-law Karla & Dr. Joseph Dean, niece Shelly Sipes and her husband Chris and children Rebecca & Travis; nephews Bill Dean and his wife Elizabeth, Troy Mastin and his children, Ella, Wyatt, Tate and Sam; and Todd Mastin, and his wife Vicki. Talya was preceded in death by her “Daddy”, Robert Sheldon Bowland; her mother, Marcine Ramsdale, and step-mother Mavis Bowland; her brother Cory Leach, her husband, Ben Hodges and her grandmother Leona Anne Ramsdale.

Talya received her bachelor’s degree in education from UNM and moved to Roswell, NM to become a teacher and coach at Sierra Middle School. She met her husband, Ben, a fellow teacher/coach, and they went on to adopt two children, Brian and Stacy. Talya worked as a teller at Sunwest Bank for several years and then returned to teaching when her children reached school age. She was a 7th grade natural science teacher at Mt. View Middle School in Roswell and poured into the children who came through her classroom for over 30 years.

She was a powerhouse tennis player, loved to watch football and tell you who her favorite teams were and who were not & why, take road trips, turquoise jewelry, and to dine out, especially seafood, chili rellenos and guacamole, and to shop with Stacy – it was their favorite mother daughter activity and happened frequently.

However, she’s best known for and will be remembered for her love of dogs, they were her passion and solace. Also, for her involvement in Agility & Obedience competitions for over 20 years throughout New Mexico, Texas and even once in Montana. She was a long-standing member of Albuquerque’s, Sandia Dog Obedience Club and received the annual award for Best Sportsmanship from the club; she was humbled and overwhelmed to be recognized in such a way for her contribution to SDOC and from her beloved dog community. Talya and her dogs gained numerous competition accolades. Some of her beloved dogs earned multiple titles through her hard work, dedication to her sport, constant desire to learn, and ability to train dogs. Talya had a lifelong love of dogs, always reminiscing about her first ever as a child, a bulldog named Soggy. She fulfilled her dream of having a Golden Retriever with her first, named “Taffy”; subsequently finding her true passion in life. Some of her accomplishments in the sport are:

Golden Retriever: DNA's Rapd. “Rapid” CDX, RN, NA, NAJ. Born April 17, 1995. He had both obedience and agility titles. Her heart dog.

Viszla: Poquito's Bisiesto De Vida. “Bisi” Born Feb 29, 2000. Died at around age 5 from cancer. No titles, just a loved baby with the softest ears and the best cuddle bug.

Golden Retriever: Otterbrook's Legal Eagle. “Mason” CDX, RA, OA, NAJ, OF. Born July 8, 2005. Mason was very special, hand-picked from a litter in Connecticut, she had him flown to Albuquerque and proved to be a handful from day one. She quickly fell head over heels with him and frequently stated that he was the smartest dog she’d ever known. A part of her heart (and Tommy and Stacy’s) was lost last May 2018 when he crossed the rainbow bridge.

Miniature Poodle: Sandstorm No Suspects Sherlock. “Gibbs” CDX, MX, MXJ. Born Oct 12, 2008. Bred by Joann Neal she was honored to be entrusted with a “Joann poodle”. Up to the fall of 2018 was still competing with Gibbs and wanting to prepare for the next title. Sadly, was unable to do so.

Her last canine addition came about 2 years ago and was a rescued “baby” that she was over the moon to have; a small mixed breed, who looks just like an Ewok, so she named Wicket (with the help of “her kids” – Stacy & Tommy). He is an adorable light of doggy happiness wherever he goes; she spoke of how much he brightened her spirits these last two years of ongoing health problems and subsequent lessening of activities she loved.

Lastly, Talya was a sharp dresser just like her Daddy. She was slightly obsessed with tennis shoes and had quite the fun collection. She always wore a cross necklace to demonstrate her faith in Jesus. She was funny, strong, smart, tenacious and a pillar in her family. She will be greatly missed always, there is a hole in our family that no one else will fill. The family wishes to sincerely thank all of those who cared for her during her last days, particularly the compassionate hospice team; Gail, Leydis, Sarah, Juliette, Rexanne & Jake. Stacy & Tommy would like to give a deep heartfelt thank you, New Covenant ministers & fellowship for their love and support, Mom’s “dog friends” Janice, Annie, Marcie & Evie, her best friend Karen – where would we be without you, we love you all! To Stacy’s family, we are overwhelmed and forever grateful for your love and support during this time.

We are praising Jesus for His provision, sovereignty, guidance and unfailing love through these last months and always.

Services will be held Tuesday, May 21, 2019, 12:00 p.m., at FRENCH - Wyoming with a reception to follow.