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Obituary for Rosemary Jean Ward-Rowe
Rosemary Jean Ward-Rowe, passed peacefully on January 21, 2021 in Vacaville, CA. Born June 4, 1932 in Pacific Grove CA to Clarence A Shook of Indiana, and Bessie A Shook of Oklahoma. She is survived by her children, Charles A & Norma Ward (San Jose), Janet L Bounds (Alameda), Donna L & Doug Sutherland (Dixon); daughter-in-law, Beth Ward-Trevino (Santa Fe, TX), and preceded in death by her son, Willie F Ward (Santa Fe, TX); husband, Orville R Rowe and ex-husband, Orville F Ward. She was a loving mother, devoted wife and proud grandma to April, Steven & Angel Ward, Amanda & Michael Bounds, Jacob & Jessica Sutherland and Jonah Ward, 14 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. She was the 2nd oldest, and last surviving sibling in their group, preceded in death by Clarence (Sonny) Shook, Shirley Hogue, Richard Shook and Cathleen Shook-Jakubowski. She has many nieces and nephews and extended family whom she treasured as well!
At just 4’ 11” she was little, but so very mighty and strong! She loved Jesus, was a devout Christian, and studied her bible often. She began working for Carlson’s Bakery Supply in Oakland in the late 60’s and even narrowly escaped a warehouse fire by crawling out a very small window onto the roof! She navigated her way through mergers (Domasco, Cal Milling and then Pillsbury Company) to enjoy a long and honored career. She went to Laney College at night to earn her certificate for Microbiology so that she could be promoted to Quality Control Manager. All of this, and at times, working up to 3 jobs to ensure that she could remain independent and take care of her family. When the Oakland plant was closed, she made the decision to move to Southern California to Hacienda Heights and take over their Los Angeles Operation. The retirement party was truly a celebration of her amazing career of over 30 years!
In her job, she would bake and cook some delightful, tasty treats! From donuts, to fresh baked bread, pies, cookies and cakes! Everyone loved when she showed up with a box of goodies. She carried those skills beyond her work and shared her love of baking and cooking with her family, including her grandchildren. Even at the end, one of her favorite treats was apple pie!
After retiring, it was time to move back to Northern California and she settled in Santa Rosa. She enjoyed keeping busy, so she went to work for the Salvation Army, in their store and made many friends! She loved going to the wineries, as well as taking care of her home. She also loved to shop! She never showed up empty handed, anywhere! She loved to travel, and was fortunate to go many places including Washington, Oregon, Mexico, Texas, Alaska and Hawaii. She loved the cruises she took and time with family! After spending nearly 40 years on her own after her divorce, she found companionship with Orville Rowe, and married in 2010. She said the family trip to Hawaii in 2011 was their honeymoon and was so happy to finally make it there, to the beautiful island of Kauai, where she braved riding a tube down the sugar cane rivers, enjoyed her first luau and visited the Fern Grotto to ride the paddleboat up the river.
She lived in many northern California cities, and was delighted when she settled in her new home in Vacaville in 2003. She made many friends in the senior park there and attended church, while still busying herself with taking care of others.
In late 2017 she was diagnosed with Dementia & Parkinson’s, and that was a difficult challenge for everyone. She had always been on the move, and her body was making her slow down. While the last couple of years were difficult, there were also so many beautiful memories made at the same time. The staff at Pacifica Senior Living said she would help with clearing meal dishes, and always wanted to sweep! She loved when she could spend time with family, always ending the visit or phone call with an “I love you too honey”. A life well lived, a life well loved, and a legacy left to honor her memory.
Rest well mom, we love you and will miss you forever-until we see you again.
Your loving Family.
Psalm 23 V1-6
A Psalm of David.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
