Glenda Drum Rowden, Class of 1951
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GLENDA DRUM ROWDEN ('51)
Glenda Drum Rowden 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.