CLARIBEL "BABE" GOW

1911 - 2018

CLARIBEL "BABE" GOW August 22, 1911 to December 24, 2017 Claribel Christine Matthews Gow "Babe" passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Christmas Eve, 2017. She was 106 years, 4 months and 2 days old. Babe was born to Marianna and Frank Matthews in Oakland, CA on August 22, 1911. The 7th of 9 children. She loved her siblings and enjoyed a happy childhood. Meeting her husband, Andy Gow at a dance, she married him on October 1st, 1932. Happiest surrounded by family they had 3 daughters, Arlene Davison (Charlie), Judy Symons (Dick) and Tina Macdonald (Malcolm), 10 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and 17 great great grandchildren, and many more who considered her Grandma. Babe and Andy spent the majority of their marriage in Red Bluff, CA. Living on Treasure Drive for more than 65 years, Babe, an incredibly hard worker, owned and managed several local businesses, including the Tremont Hotel, the Doughnut Kitchen and the Hope Chest. She enjoyed bowling and was secretary of the women's bowling association for 18 years. Later she became an avid golfer and while in her 80s shot a hole in one at Oak Creek Golf Course. Fiercely independent, she lived on her own from the time of Andy's death in 1982 until she turned 102, and drove her own car well into her 90' s. She loved her family more than anything, lit up around babies, enjoyed laughing and large Christmas gatherings at her house, which was always beautifully decorated for the holiday. A true matriarch who will be greatly missed. She always said, "I'll promise you 100 years, but not sure how many more than that." She gave us 106. We will be celebrating her life on February 17th beginning at 1 :00 pm at Wilcox Oaks Golf Club.