In the meantime Mrs. Bowers, the creative, hard working survivor of the boom-and-bust economy, was working on making Bowers mansion the ultimate resort. With the running of the trains and the connector trains, Bowers Mansion would have been an accessable journey. Ads for the parties can be seen in the Territorial Enterprise. One of the balls she hosted was in support of the Women's Suffrage movement. It was the spot for the annual Miner's Ball. The Mansion was at its height of popularity from 1873-1875. She was known for hosting and creating an atmosphere where the grand parties went until the wee hours. People enjoyed the picnics on the grounds. She was known to have opened her doors so that people might see and appreciate the mansion.

Untold sadness again takes place in the life of Mrs. Bowers with the unexpected death of Persia. After a weekend with her mother, Mrs. Bowers dropped Persia off at boarding school in Reno and returned on the train to Washoe Valley. Persia died suddenly on July 14, 1874 in Reno alone.

It was at this point between dealing with a steam of creditors, the deep grief over Persia's death and what must be the problems of advancing age, life becomes very challenging for Mrs. Bowers, aged 48 years. She is known to have spent time with friends, returned to her psychic roots in order to earn a living. Mrs. Bowers spent time between San Francisco and the Reno area. She died alone on October 27, 1903, in Oakland.

Through the generosity of Henry Riter, the ashes of Eilley Orrum Bowers were brought back to the hill behind her beloved Mansion to rest in peace with her husband, Sandy, and Persia.