The long earthly road came to an end after 97 years, 11 months for Gertha "Gert" Bowling Cashwell on Friday evening, February 12, 2016 at the Rockin Chair Residential Care in Lerona, WV.

Born in Bertha, WV on the New River, March 23, 1918, Gert was the daughter of the late George M. and Dora L. Young Blankenship.

In addition to her parents, Gert was preceded in death by her brother, Chelsie A. Blankenship and sister-in-law, Helen, first husband Nathan E. Bowling, Jr., second husband, Howard R. Cashwell, Sr., and a step-son, Howard R. Cashwell, Jr.

During her long life she worked several jobs including being owner and operator of Bowling's Dairy Bar and the Corner Restaurant both in Hinton. She was also a charter member of the Graham House Preservation Society at Lowell, spending many long hours over many years there.

She lived life to the fullest, always talking and laughing with everyone she met. Her world centered around her son, daughter-in-law and especially her grandchildren.

Gert is survived by her son, Jim Bowling and wife Barbara of Lowell, grandsons, Mitch Bowling and wife Lori of Barrington, IL and Brian Bowling and wife Sharon of Mableton, GA. Great grandchildren, Turner Bowling of Blacksburg, VA, Sydney and Riley Bowling both of Barrington, IL and Bryce and Brooks Bowling both of Mableton, GA. A step-son, Jim Cashwell of St. Augustine, FL. Step-grandchildren, Angie and Lee Cashwell of Florida and Chris Cashwell of Tennessee. Niece, Jeanie Blankenship Keffer of and nephew, Joe Blankenship, both of Hinton.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday February 20, 2016 at Pivont Funeral Home Chapel in Hinton with Pastor Sam Groves officiating. Burial will follow in Restwood Memorial Gardens in Hinton. Friends may call from 12:00 noon until time of services on Saturday at the funeral home.

Serving as pallbearers will be, Mitch, Brian and Turner Bowling, Glenn Lowe, Herbert Freeland and Joe Blankenship.

In lieu of flowers, donations of sympathy may be made to The Graham House, 2108 Lowell Rd. Pence Springs, WV 24962.