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Rowena Willis Obituary

Willis, Rowena Wright
February 7, 1912 - August 6, 2011
Died from old age at 99. Two of her children were by her side. Daughter of Archie & Myrtle Wright. Survived by four children James Willis, Wendy Ruebman, Melanie Lund, Nelson Willis, 10 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren & twin sister Roberta McCain. Born in Muskogee OK. Married to John Maddux-1933 & Henry Paul Willis-1938. She was remembered by all that met her. She kept her remarkable beauty throughout her life. All that knew her will miss her.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Los Angeles Times from Aug. 12 to Aug. 14, 2011.

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6 Entries

Yesterday

May 20, 2024

Archie K Wright

August 7, 2023

Archie K Wright V

Philip

April 3, 2022

My most heartfelt condolences go out to Actor McCain on the untimely passing of Mrs. Willis. My thoughts and prayers are with the extended family of retired former Captain and late Senator John McCain, the late Mrs. Morgan and Mrs. McCain.

August 16, 2011

She was 99. Two of her children were by her side. She was the youngest daughter, along with her twin sister, of Archie and Myrtle Wright. She was the sister of Archie K. Wright, Nadine Andrews, Alexander Wright and Roberta McCain. She is survived by her four children James Willis, Wendy Ruebman, Melanie Lund, Nelson Willis, ten grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and her sister Roberta.

Rowena Willis was born on February 7, 1912 in Muskogee Oklahoma. She moved to Los Angeles with her family in the 1920s. She attended Los Angeles High School, UCLA and the Finch College in New York. Rowena was married twice. Her first marrage was to John Luther Maddux in 1933. John Maddux was an automobile dealer in Los Angeles and an aviation pioneer. She married her second husband Henry Paul Willis in 1938. Henry Paul Willis was an Investment Councilor and founded the firm of Willis and Christy. As an adult she was a socialite. She was a past president of Las Floristas, a charity for children. Among her close friends were Charles Lindbergh, Will Rodgers, Duncan Renaldo, Leo Carrillo, Ed Carter, and others. Her nephew is Senator John McCain.

Rowena was always remembered by everyone that met her. She kept her remarkable beautiful throughout her life. She had a good sense of humor and she loved a good conversation. She always enjoyed reminiscing about her friends and family. She loved to travel; in her later years her sister Roberta constantly accompanied her to many countries of the world. Her family and everyone that knew her will miss her.

A memorial will be scheduled at a later date.

August 15, 2011

Rowena Fay Wright Willis died peacefully at her home in the Windsor Sq. area of Los Angeles from old age the evening of August 6

Archie Wright

August 14, 2011

Rowena will be missed by all we know she is in A better place with the Lord.

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