Born the youngest child of a loving Idaho family on Dec. 21, 1925, Rowena died peacefully in Grayland, Wash., on May 22, 2017, surrounded by the love of her family. She was a longtime resident of Westport, Wash.
Rowena, also known from close family and friends as ‘Babe’, began her life as a farm girl in Star, Idaho, where she attended school and maintained enduring friendships with her childhood friends. After high school graduation she moved to Portland, Ore., where she performed World War II work and very much enjoyed city life.
While living in Portland, Rowena met Earl Van Horn on a double date; they married two months later in 1948, beginning a long journey of love, devotion, laughter and family.
She will be always treasured by her children Sue and Brad Connally, and Steve Van Horn, and her grandchildren Alysen, Jorey, Jacquie, Jeff, Jodi, Steven, Patti, Marci, Trisha, Aaron and Conrad. As well, Rowena dearly loved her great-grandchildren Courtney, Dakota and Cassie, and her great-great-grandson Bodi.
She was pre-deceased by her husband Earl (2005) and her oldest child, Shirley Mae (2011).
Rowena and Earl relocated to Westport in 1965 when they purchased the local Signal Oil Distribution. Rowena worked in the family business as the bookkeeper, while also an employee at The Dees Cafe, where she was valued and appreciated by loyal customers.
In 1978 the Van Horns began a new 10 year career in the hospitality business, as owners and operators of the Grayland Motel. Rowena was a welcoming host, and was greatly enjoyed by the many repeat guests visiting the beach.
A woman with a happy, outgoing personality, Rowena was a dedicated supporter of the community. She was a 35 year original volunteer at the Westport Food Bank, volunteer at the Clothing Bank, a member of the Baptist Church, and a regular patron of the Westport Library. Rowena enjoyed the camaraderie of the Westport Senior House, where she made such good friends.
Family and friends always came first with Rowena, and she loved parties, holidays, celebrations, and visitors. Her home was a welcoming gathering place, and she greeted people with smiles and an easy manner. A kind, thoughtful woman with great wit and humor, Rowena easily connected with people, and thoroughly enjoyed the friends of her children and grandchildren.
Rowena will be tremendously missed, but her family is grateful for the love, laughter and joy that she brought every day of her life.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for any donations go toward a memorial plaque to be added to her daughter, Shirley Mae’s Memorial bench on the Westport Boardwalk. Donations may be made at any Security State Bank for the Rowena Van Horn Memorial. Donations can be mailed to the bank at PO Box 329, Grayland, WA 98547 or deposited online by bill pay or directly to Rowena Van Horn Memorial benefit account at same address. The family will be holding a private celebration of life and would like to thank Fern Hill Funeral Home for taking care of the arrangements.
