Margaret A. “Marg” “Nan” (Amsley) Bowers, 86, of Mercersburg, PA, passed away on Friday, May 8, 2026, at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, while surrounded by the family she loved so dearly.
Born September 7, 1939, in Mercersburg, she was the daughter of the late Theodore E. and Helen L. (Mummert) Amsley. She was a 1956 graduate of James Buchanan High School and later attended secretarial classes at Hagerstown Business College.
Nan married the love of her life, Robert “Bob” “Pap” Bowers, on June 21, 1958, in Greencastle. Their love story began when they were just 13 years old and continued to grow through more than six decades of marriage. After Bob retired in 2007, the two spent nearly all of their time together. Whether at home, out and about, or hunting side by side for over 40 years, they truly enjoyed life together. Bob often proudly said that Nan was the better shot. The only regular thing that seemed to separate them was her hair appointment.
Nan worked for 30 years as an insurance agent with McDowell Insurance Company before retiring to focus on what mattered most to her, her family. Being “Nan” was one of her greatest joys in life. She never missed a baseball game, dance recital, or any important event involving her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. At baseball games, she could usually be found sitting directly behind the umpire, cheering enthusiastically and sharing her thoughts on the game loud and proud!
She loved her family fiercely and completely. Nan was known for her strong spirit, quick wit, sass, intelligence, and determination. She valued her independence and preferred to handle things herself whenever possible. Beneath that spirited personality was a deeply loving and devoted woman whose family always knew how much they were cherished.
Nan also expressed her love through her kitchen. Her apple pies were family favorites, her Christmas cookies were eagerly anticipated every year, and her chicken salad became something of a legend among those who enjoyed it. Even though she shared her recipes, no one could ever quite make them taste the same as Nan’s.
Her faith in God was an important part of her life, and she faithfully attended Grand Point Church in Greencastle.
In addition to her beloved husband, Bob, she is survived by her daughter, Debra K. Newcomer-Twine and her husband, Rick, of Mercersburg; her grandchildren, Lacey Horst and her husband, Derrick, of Greencastle, and Jordan “Gator” Newcomer and his wife, Megan, also of Greencastle; and her treasured great-grandchildren, Logan Horst, Paige Horst, Ben Horst, Tucker Newcomer, Judah Horst, Molly Newcomer, and Asher Horst, a sister, Gladys L. Hawbaker of Mercersburg, PA and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, and five siblings, she was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Dennis M. Newcomer.
A Celebration of Nan’s Life will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Grand Point Church, 3664 Coseytown Road, Greencastle, PA, with Pastor Mike Carey officiating.
Miller-Bowersox Funeral Home, Greencastle, PA, is handling the arrangements.
