BOMBER MEMORIAL
GLENDA JOY DRUM ROWDEN ~ Class of 1951
~
Glenda died unexpectedly on Thursday May 16, 2002 in Fort Worth
TX. She had been battling lung cancer since 1998 but passed away
due to complications, causing pulmonary failure. She was born in
Beaver, OK on September 19, 1933 to Frank and Opal Drum. She
came to Hanford with her parents and sister in 1944 moving to
Richland the following year. She graduated from Columbia High
School and married Ted Rowden ('48) on December 20, 1951 in
Richland. During Ted's career military service in the Air Force
they had many assignments, notably, a four year stint in Spain.
A few other moves included California, Mississippi, and
Washington D.C. She and the family accompanied him except for
some tours in the Viet Nam time frame. Upon retirement Glenda
and Ted enjoyed traveling to visit areas of interest and
numerous friends they had met over the years. In additon to her
devotion to family her other passion was bridge. Wherever they
located she always managed to join bridge clubs. She attended
her 50 year class reunion in September 2001 and mentioned many
times how great it was.
She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Ted of
Mansfield TX, son; Ted Rowden Jr., Bedford VA,
daughters; Lisa Rowden, Mebane, NC, Carol Haynie,
Cedar Grove, NC, Diana Fuller, Des Moines IA, and five
grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Joi
Lea Rowden, sister, Marilyn Kay Drum ('50) and her
parents.
Glenda had recently become an activist on non-smoking
and right to die issues. At the time of her death she
was formulating ideas and responses to these national
level issues.
A memorial service was held on May 18, 2002 in
Mansfield, TX.