Obituary for Wilma Jean Rowles
In loving memory of our mother, Wilma Jean Rowles, who passed away on May 14, 2022. Wilma was the devoted wife of 57 years to Raymond, and loving mother of Doris Lee, Alice, Randy, and Ron; grandmother of Rick, Gary, Jeff, Lisa, Bennett, Alistair, and Elijah; great grandmother to Austin, Amanda, Davis, Carly, Kristin, and Stephen; and great-great-grandmother to Clayton and Adalynn. She was preceded by her husband, Ray, and siblings Leona, Clarence, and Mable, and survived by her sister Lou Emma.
Wilma was born on December 5, 1928 in Shafter, California to Jacob and Sarah Johnson. She was raised in Shafter, and graduated from Kern Academy in 1947. After graduation, she moved to Bakersfield and started working in different clerical jobs. She married Ray on Valentine’s Day in 1951. Wilma worked as a bookkeeper for over 20 years at W. A Thompson, and retired in 1986. After retirement, she stayed busy by volunteering at the Mercy Hospital Gift Shop, and was active in the Bakersfield Women’s Club for 25 years.
Her family didn’t just include her relatives. She was loved by many friends and neighbors, where she became the adopted Grandma by their families. Mom delighted in listening to music, played a mean game of dominoes, and loved everything pink.
Wilma was a kind, caring and giving person who always put the needs of her family first. She was always there for us, attending and supporting all of our school and extracurricular activities. She was a woman of determination and faith, and instilled in all the importance of family, hard work and doing what is right. Wilma will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Our family cannot thank enough Juanita and Lorea for providing care and comfort to her in her final months.
The graveside service will be held at Greenlawn Southwest Memorial Park, 2739 Panama Lane on Friday, May 27, 2022 at 10:30 am. The viewing will be available at 9:30 am.
Mom, you will always be in our hearts and we will never forget you. We love you so much. Rest in peace at home with the Lord.
Wilma was born on December 5, 1928 in Shafter, California to Jacob and Sarah Johnson. She was raised in Shafter, and graduated from Kern Academy in 1947. After graduation, she moved to Bakersfield and started working in different clerical jobs. She married Ray on Valentine’s Day in 1951. Wilma worked as a bookkeeper for over 20 years at W. A Thompson, and retired in 1986. After retirement, she stayed busy by volunteering at the Mercy Hospital Gift Shop, and was active in the Bakersfield Women’s Club for 25 years.
Her family didn’t just include her relatives. She was loved by many friends and neighbors, where she became the adopted Grandma by their families. Mom delighted in listening to music, played a mean game of dominoes, and loved everything pink.
Wilma was a kind, caring and giving person who always put the needs of her family first. She was always there for us, attending and supporting all of our school and extracurricular activities. She was a woman of determination and faith, and instilled in all the importance of family, hard work and doing what is right. Wilma will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Our family cannot thank enough Juanita and Lorea for providing care and comfort to her in her final months.
The graveside service will be held at Greenlawn Southwest Memorial Park, 2739 Panama Lane on Friday, May 27, 2022 at 10:30 am. The viewing will be available at 9:30 am.
Mom, you will always be in our hearts and we will never forget you. We love you so much. Rest in peace at home with the Lord.