Mary Elizabeth Bowman Kanupp

Born January 20, 1928 at her family home in Alexander County NC, she was the eldest daughter to the late Hayden Foy and Edna Fox Bowman. Mary grew up helping in the house and on the family farm, which is still standing to this day.

Mary was a loving wife, mother, grandmother “Nanny” and great grandmother. She had a passion for baking, cooking and canning. When she was not making banana bread, pound cake or persimmon pudding, Mary could be found working in the yard, vegetable garden or on the front porch with Ernest enjoying the fruits of their labor.

Everyone that met Mary fell in love with her captivating smile and sweet demeanor.

She always cherished the time being surrounded by family and friends. She was a patient listener and would give advice when needed.

Mary was a devout Christian and longtime member of Lake Norman Lutheran Church in Denver NC. She loved the Lord, being part of her church family, church services, Sunday school, Bible study and reading her Portals of Prayer.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 68 years, Ernest Franklin Kanupp, and her sister Wilma Justice.

Those left to cherish her memories are her son, Larry Kanupp and wife Theresa of MA; daughter, Sharon Kanupp Malmberg of Denver NC. Grandchildren; Dana Kanupp and wife Katie of MA, Eric Malmberg and wife Heather of Denver NC, Austin Malmberg of Denver NC, Morgan Malmberg of Denver NC, Matt and wife Emmie of DC, and Billy and wife Marissa of GA. Great grandchildren; Zoe Kanupp of MA and Kira Kanupp of MA. Sisters; Mabel Bolick of Bethlehem NC, Carrie Jonas of Taylorsville NC, Helen Miller and husband Bob of Hickory NC, Jeanette Watts and husband Jerry of Conover NC, and Wanda Lail of Taylorsville, NC.

A celebration of her long and loving life will be at 2:00pm on Saturday January 15, 2022 at Drum Funeral Home Chapel, 509 1st Ave South in Conover NC. Visitation will be from 1:00-2:00pm at the funeral home. Burial follows the service at St. Stephens Lutheran Church Cemetery, 2304 Springs Road NE, Hickory.

The service will be officiated by Reverend Mark Schild of Lake Norman Lutheran Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to Lake Norman Lutheran Church, 1445 Hwy 16 North, Denver NC 28037; Hospice of Lincoln County, 900 Dontia Drive Lincolnton NC 28092, or your favorite charity.