Wilma Rowden

Wilma Lee (Sue) Rowden
September 6, 1936 - March 12, 2019



In Loving Memory

Wilma Lee (Sue) Rowden was born September 6, 1936 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Fannie Lorene Bishop and William Grayum. Sue grew up in Elgin, Kansas, Tulsa, Oklahoma and Sperry Oklahoma. She graduated from Sperry High School. In school she played the saxophone as well as participated in theater and chorus.

Sue married John Amos Rowden September 12, 1953 in Sperry Oklahoma. They made their home in various places on the West Coast before settling in San Diego, California, where they raised their three children, Ronald Duane, Johnna Sue, and Randall Glenn. Sue was a devoted military wife while her husband was serving in the Navy. In 1979, after John retired, they moved back to the Midwest and lived on a farm raising cattle. Later they moved to Chanute before settling in Neodesha, Kansas in 2000.

Sue devoted her life to Christ and her family. She was as dedicated to serving the Lord as she was her family. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Sue had a strong relationship with the Lord and gave glory to Him first. She embodied stewardship and showed us how to manage time, talents, family and all that God blesses us with. All those that knew Sue, also knew the love of Christ through her.

Sue served as an Elder in the Community of Christ Church. She led the way and set an example for many women in the church, being one of the first women to be ordained. She had a special way of loving everyone she met and shared Christ through her actions and words. Sue had many special gifts that she shared, the gift of prayer, friendship and a beautiful soprano singing voice.

Sue had a long career working as an administrative assistant in various medical facilities in both California and Kansas. Sue served as President of the Fredonia 3rd District VFW Auxiliary. She also volunteered at Morningstar Assisted Living in Neodesha, Kansas where she continued using her administrative skills.

Sue's family will always remember her as being a moral compass, because of the support she provided them through the years. She was a good friend to many and had many special friendships throughout her life, including Mary Compton and Patricia Chalfant.

Sue is survived by her brother Gary Grayum of Arkansas City, KS. Her three children, Ronald & (Gemma) of Thayer, KS, Johnna Hugo of Neodesha, KS, and Randall & (Dyanne) of Locust Grove, Oklahoma. She has ten grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

In 2018, Sue was preceded in death by her husband John who she was married to for 65 years. She was also preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Jack, Dale, Bill, Jay, Doug and son in law William "Greg "Hugo.

She was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

A Celebration life service will be Saturday March 16, 2019 at 2:00pm at the Neodesha First Christian Church in Neodesha, KS. Visitation will be Friday March 15, 2019 from 12:00pm to 8:00pm with the family receiving friends from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the Loran Fawcett Chapel in Neodesha, KS.

Memorials can be made in Wilma's memory to the Fredonia 3rd District VFW Auxiliary and can be left with the Loran Fawcett Chapel in Neodesha, KS. On-Line condolences can be left to the family by going to www.loranfawcettfuneralhome.com

Visitation

Service

Memorial Contributions