Naythan "Nate" Michael Bowers, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, passed away peacefully at home on October 22, 2025, surrounded by those who loved him deeply. He was 38 years old. Naythan fought a very short, yet incredibly courageous battle with illness, showing strength and resilience throughout every moment.

Naythan grew up in the Thumb area of Michigan, attending Caseville Elementary School and then Laker Schools for his junior high and high school years prior to moving to Beaverton, Michigan, where he attended Beaverton High School for his senior year, graduating with the Class of 2006. After graduation, he moved to Montana, where he learned and worked in the masonry trade. With a strong sense of duty and patriotism, he joined the Army National Guard, serving seven honorable years. In 2010, he deployed to Iraq for more than a year in brave service to his country.

Upon returning home, Naythan continued a career devoted to the protection and well-being of others. He worked at the Montana State Hospital and later served as a Corrections Officer at the Montana State Prison. Throughout both his military service and corrections career, Naythan was a skilled firearms enthusiast, earning special recognition for his expert marksmanship. In his later years, he continued utilizing his intuition and courage as a fugitive hunter and in loss prevention for a retail chain.

Naythan is survived by his loving parents, Kelly and Wesley Armbruster of Interlochen, Michigan; his brother, Zackary Bowers (Tancy) of Hemlock, Michigan; and his niece and nephew, Benjamin and Brooklyn Bowers, whom he adored beyond measure, the special bond he shared with his brother and the joy he found in being "Uncle Nate" brought great meaning and pride to his life, his dear cat and faithful companion, Binx. He is also survived by his father, Jeffrey Oberts of Michigan, and his family.

Family always remained the center of Naythan's heart. Through his marriage to Kimberly Kellie, he embraced Shawn Bell (Annie) of Puyallup, Washington, and Katie Bell (Hunter) of Anaconda, Montana, as his children — a role he proudly fulfilled throughout his life. He was especially proud to become "Grandpa Nate" when Shawn and Annie welcomed their daughter, Amanda.

Later in life, Naythan found his soulmate, Deana Pitner, and lovingly welcomed her three daughters as his own: Ashlynn Robinson (Billy) of Basin, Montana; Mandalyn Robinson (Thomas) of Pocatello, Idaho; and Kaydee (Tyler) of Inkom, Idaho. Naythan was also blessed with two beloved grandchildren — Kaybrie and Lainee — from Mandalyn, who brought him endless joy, laughter, and cherished memories. In addition, he was thrilled to learn he would soon welcome another grandchild — a baby boy expected to be born to Ashlynn — a blessing he celebrated with great excitement and pride.

Naythan will also be forever remembered by many special aunts, uncles, cousins, lifelong friends, and brothers-in-arms.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Edward and Mildred Armbruster; his grandmother, Paulette Cummins — with whom he shared an exceptionally strong and cherished bond; and his uncle, Tony Bowers.

Those who knew Naythan will remember a man who was authentic and always true to himself. Calm and intuitive, he had an extraordinary ability to read people and situations with empathy and insight. He never knew a stranger. He believed in holding others to high standards because he believed in their very best. Generous to a fault, he helped anyone he could and loved without limits.

Naythan was a natural protector — of people and animals alike — never hesitating to defend what was right, even at personal cost. He believed deeply in fairness and equality. His adventurous spirit took him outdoors as often as possible: kayaking, hiking, camping, and always seeking the water — rivers, lakes, and the ocean — especially when a storm rolled in. Sunrises and sunsets reminded him of life's beauty, and he never missed the chance to notice them.

His ability to defuse tension, his laughter, his warmth, and the fierce love he offered so freely have forever been imprinted on the hearts of those who loved him.

His time with us was far too short, but the impact he made will last forever.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Naythan's family to use towards memorial benches to be placed in Michigan and Montana through Kelly's Venmo account, @kelly-armbruster-4 or through PayPal at Kelly Armbruster.

A small Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the Parkwood Pointe Clubhouse in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Additional Celebration of Life will be planned in Montana at later dates. Cremation is under the direction of Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls.

A celebration of will be held from 3:30-7:00 p.m., December 6, 2025, at the Centry Oaks Golf Corse, 4570 Pigeon Road, Elkton, Michigan. This will be a casual and heartfelt gathering — whatever that means to you. Whether you're most at home in a three-piece suit or jeans and a flannel, please come as you are and as you're comfortable. Naythan had a gift for accepting people exactly as they were and would want everyone to feel at ease as we celebrate his life.