BOMBER MEMORIAL

BEATRICE "BEA" SALTZ GOWDY ~ Class of 1955
February 7, 1938 - September 29, 2015

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Beatrice Saltz Gowdy, known to many as Bea or Mama Bea, passed away on September 29, 2015. Bea was born February 7, 1938, in Baltimore, Maryland, to Floyd Saltz and Gurlie Dailey Saltz, long time Hanford, Richland and Kennewick residents.

Bea was the 3rd child of 17 children and she grew up in Haysville, NC and Richland. Bea graduated from Richland's Columbia High School in 1955 and was active in Girls' League. Upon graduation she attended Columbia Basin College while living in the Women's Dorms at Hanford working for G.E. She attended CBC three times during her life (mid '50s, mid '70s, and 2007-2010).

On July 16, 1956, after a 7 day courtship, she married U.S. Army Specialist Ed Gowdy (her soldier boy) stationed at Camp Hanford Army Base. Bea and Ed (retired Local 598 Pipefitter) were married 36 years before Ed’s passing in June of 1992. Bea was always known to stand at attention before our Nation's Flag and held the highest respect for military personnel - always saying "those are our boys and girls." Whenever the opportunity presented itself, she would offer a meal or kind word to those in uniform. When traveling, she made sure her Ed stopped and picked up a soldier hitch-hiking home. In addition to being the wife of a U.S. Soldier and mother of four, professionally, Bea owned and operated an accounting firm in Milwaukie, OR during 1960s to early 1970s, eventually moving back to Kennewick, serving as Assistant Comptroller, W.P.P.S.S., in the early 1980s.

As a young woman, Bea attended Central United Protestant Church in Richland. Later in life, she attended the Kennewick Church of Christ. Bea recommitted her life to God and was baptized and in the summer of 1995.

Politically, during the early 1970s, Bea was instrumental in introducing and fighting for Oregon State Workman Compensation “Death Benefits” for Surviving Widows after her Brother Jack’s death in 1971. Bea campaigned before the Oregon State Legislature and could be found on the evening news answering reporter’s questions from the State Capital. Oregon State Governor, Tom McCall stated; “Bea is a hard driver and gets the job done.” And with a smile; “We are hard pressed to convince her to move over to the Republican Party.”

Additionally, during the 1970s and early 1980s, she led the Ranchette Saddle Benders Equestrian Team in Kennewick. With the help of several businessmen, she constructed and donated a horse barn to the Benton Franklin Fair. She was involved in Eastern Star (Kennewick) and strongly supported our Nation’s Military, DeMolay, Shriners Hospital, Washington State Junior Quarter Horse Association, and the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Association Telethons.

Her greatest love was family, and family gatherings which involved lots of cooking (which she was known for). Her interests and hobbies included: academics - her legacy includes 2 children and 7 grandchildren who attended college of which two grandchildren earning doctorates - sports, horses, camping, fishing, travel, politics, and business. It wasn’t uncommon to hear her cheering on one of her sons or a grandchild during a high school football, basketball, wrestling, or baseball sporting event. Baseball was her favorite. After completing the 6th Grade, Bea advanced directly to the 9th Grade graduating from Columbia High School two years early. Her best high school friend and Richland resident was Kathryn Hudson Williamson ('54-RIP) .

To the amazement of many, Bea returned to CBC for a third time in 2007. In an advanced algebra class and to the amazement of many, she sat with two of her grandchildren also attending CBC. On one occasion when the instructor called out; "Gowdy," three voices in unison were heard to say; "Yes."

On fishing trips, she was always the first to sink her line, and with a smile and to the dismay of all (most especially younger brother Tommy), catch the "Big One."

The weekend before her passing, she shared; "My time is soon. I love you all. Please forgive any wrong doings or misunderstandings. I have always tried my best to help others. Know I am in the Lord and am ready to be with Him. I pray He will take me in my sleep." At 77 years old, with baby sister Sue close by, Bea closed her bible, laid down for a nap... and was granted her wish.

Bea is survived by four sons: Jim (engineer/teacher), Edwin Allen, David, and Kevin Gowdy (local businessmen); 13 Grandchildren; 13 Great Grandchildren; and several siblings, nephews, and nieces.

Funeral was held October 5, 2015, at Kennewick Church of Christ. Bea was laid to rest next to her husband and soldier boy, and close to her parents at Riverview Heights Cemetery in Kennewick.

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