IRENE ROWE

Irene Rowe, 93, of Bakersfield passed away peacefully on October 21st. She was born on November 6, 1922, in Ringling, Oklahoma, becoming the third and middle child of William and Mary Tipps.
Irene graduated from high school in Hilton, Oklahoma, during which time she attended a dance and met Floyd Rowe who immediately became the love of her life. Irene and Floyd were married on April 19,1941 and she went on to adore this man for over 59 years.
Irene worked as a maid during the first years of their marriage while Floyd completed his basic training at Fort Riley, Kansas. Like many others in those difficult times after World War II, Floyd and Irene pulled up their roots and moved from Oklahoma to the Bakersfield, California area where they initially supported themselves by working in the cotton fields. Later on, as Floyd established his career in the oilfields, Irene contributed by taking on miscellaneous jobs. She spent many years caring for young children for area churches throughout her life and even up to her 90th birthday.
Irene is survived by her son Dan (Michaelene) Rowe, and her daughter Brenda McMahon, grandsons Brad (Paige) McMahon, Zack (Hilary) Rowe, Matt (Emily) Yost and granddaughters Leslie (Quinton) Solomon, Teresa (Russell) Randel and Mandi (John) Call. Irene was a cherished and devoted grandmother to twelve great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. She devoted many years as a consistent, loving and reliable caregiver to many of these children during their formative years.
Irene was preceded in death by her parents, husband Floyd Rowe, one brother Ralph Tipps, sisters Owetta Roach and Nina Swain, and a grandson Dalyn Rowe.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you for the exceptional care given to Irene while she resided at Palm Living. This same appreciation also extends to the services of Hoffman Hospice.
Services for Irene will be held on Thursday, October 27th at 10 a.m. at Greenlawn Southwest Funeral Home (2739 Panama Lane, Bakersfield) with a visitation for friends and family on Wednesday, October 26th from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Internment will follow the service on Thursday at Greenlawn Cemetery.