Belle A. Gower, 99, of Madison passed away on Wednesday October 19, 2011 in Bingham, Maine with her family by her side. She was born August 9, 1912 in Medway, Maine, the daughter of the late Ruell K. and Bessie J. (York) Libby. Belle was educated in the Skowhegan schools. She married Clyde Elwyn Gower on April 4, 1928 in Skowhegan, Maine, he passed away in 2002. Belle worked many years at Norrwock Shoe Company as a fancy stitcher. She also spent many years as a farmer’s wife and homemaker for her family. She was a 50 year member of the Kennebec Valley Grange in Madison, her hands were always busy knitting, crocheting, tatting, and sewing, she was a great cook, famous for her biscuits and molasses cookies. She was also an avid fisherman and hunter, enjoyed going for motorcycle rides. She especially loved spending time with her family. She is survived by her three daughters; Elizabeth McGinness and her husband George of Madison, Geneva Preble of Madison, Brenda Wallace and her husband Kyran of Mt. Vernon, NH, her 10 grandchildren; Stephen, Randy, Jan, Tim, Toby, Dana, Sharon, Gary, Duane, and Jarrod, 17 great-grandchildren, 14 great-great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Clyde Gower, her son Raymond Gower, and nine brothers and sisters. Viewing hours will be held on Friday October 21, 2011 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan, Maine. A funeral service will be held on Saturday October 22, 2011 at 1 p.m. at the Skowhegan Federated Church, Island Ave., Skowhegan, Maine, with a burial to follow at Southside Cemetery. Donations may be made in Belle’s memory to a charity of one’s choice.