Krista L. Bower

Krista L. Bower, 49, passed away from brain cancer on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at her home in Warners, New York, surrounded by her family.

Krista is survived by her mother, RaeLynne Bower; her father, Bill Bower; her brother, Rob Bower; her sister, Shannon Bower Portal; her niece, Josefina; and her nephew Tiago. She attended Jordan-Elbridge for the first part of her education and then graduated from West Genesee Central School District. Krista participated in the Cayuga County AmeriCorps program before attending college at CCC and in North Carolina.

Krista grew up on her family’s farm, where she developed a strong work ethic and a lifelong love of nature and the outdoors. She loved fishing, camping, animals, and simply being outside whenever she could. She was known for her bow-hunting prowess and carp shoot tournament skills. 

Krista had an adventurous spirit and was always talking about the places she wanted to see and the exciting things she wanted to do. She approached life with a sense of curiosity and adventure, always looking forward to what might be around the next corner. 

Her work life balance held the same flavor of curiosity and creativity. Krista worked with explosives in NC, traveled with a carnival, did landscaping and worked with mechanics, as well as caring for others as a home health-aid.  She was always learning and growing new skills.

Krista also had a quirky yet wonderful sense of humor that was uniquely her own and incredibly endearing to those who knew her. She had a way of making people laugh, often when they least expected it, and that special part of her personality will be fondly remembered.

A particularly important part of Krista’s life was her longstanding and deeply meaningful friendship with Rob Wilbur and his mother, Wanda Wilbur. Although Krista and Rob’s relationship changed over the years, the friendship and bond between them never went away. Rob remained one of the most important people in her life, and his mother, Wanda, held a very special place in Krista’s heart as well. Together, Rob and Wanda became a second family to Krista. Their friendship, love, and unwavering support were a constant in her life, and they remained by her side through the very end.

Krista lived a life filled with adventures and experiences and was deeply loved by those who were blessed to know her. Her adventurous spirit, quirky sense of humor, love of animals and the outdoors, and the special relationships she formed throughout her life will live-on in the memories of those who loved her.

She will be deeply missed.

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