Malena M. Furtch age 78, of Bonham, ascended to her eternal home Thursday, August 10th in Euless, TX following an extended illness.

Malena Mae Furtch was born September 4, 1944, in Ravenna, Texas.  She was the fifth of eleven children born to the parentage of Annie and Odell Brown.  She graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1962.  Soon after, she married Robert Furtch in May of 1967.  To this union three children were born-one daughter, Carla, and two sons, Randy and Rodger.  Her family was her pride and joy.  In 1983 she married Charles Bowen.

Malena accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of Siloam Baptist Church.  She later joined Bethlehem Baptist Church and for over 30 years was an active member where she served as President of the Deaconess Board, member of the usher board, Sunday School Teacher of the Intermediate Department, member of the Finance Department. She also assisted the culinary team and was a member of the Mission Ministry.

She was employed by Texas Instruments for almost 30 years.  She later found her passion in life while being employed by the Bonham Independent School District as a Paraprofessional working with Special Needs Children.  She brought hugs, happiness, encouragement, positivity, inspiration, and love in kindness into their lives.

Malena put the letter C in the word Classy. She enjoyed looking good and smelling good every day.  No matter if she was wearing a t-shirt and jeans, all clothing had to have a crease in them.  She believed in the word "image."  She fit the word beauty, not only on the outside as well as in the inside.  Malena enjoyed cooking for her children, listening to church service online, and gardening.  Most of all she enjoyed telling others about our Lord and Savior.

Malena was proceeded in death by her husband's Robert Furtch and Charles Bowen, son, Rodger Furtch, her parents Annie and Odell Brown, four sisters-Effie Scruggs, Millernease Anderson, Barbara Brown, and Minnie Jones, grandson Reginald Jackson, and granddaughter Sundaye Furtch.

Left to cherish her memories are her son, Randy Furtch, daughter, Carla Furtch, grandson, Xavier Furtch, granddaughters Raven Swinger (Randon), Alexis Furtch, brothers, Morgan Brown (Velma), Alvin Brown (Cynthia), Curtis Brown, Milton Brown (Darlene), sisters-Audrey Rayford, and Greta Brown

A public visitation will be Friday, August 18th from 1 P.M. to 7 P.M. at Waldo Funeral Home in Sherman.

The funeral service will be Saturday, August 19th at 11 A.M. at Bethlehem Baptist Church, 1415 N. Franklin, Bonham, TX.  Rev. Stuart P. Courtney will be officiating.  Burial will follow at Gateshill Cemetery in Bonham.

Arrangements have been entrusted to James E. Smith and the professionals of Waldo Funeral Home.  You may sign the online guestbook at waldofuneralhome.com.