Obituaries

Julius “Lawson” Rowe (91) of Madera

Julius “Lawson” Rowe (91) passed away peacefully with his family by his side on July 22, 2019. He was born on August 16, 1927 in Hastings Oklahoma to Fount Tillman and Tempie (Tarter) Rowe. He and his family moved to California during 1929 and settled in Madera. Julius was a graduate of Madera High School. On June 15, 1952 he married Muriel Laverne Rowe. They had two sons, Ron and Randy.

Julius was quite man, known for his great sense of humor, high moral character and his love for his family and friends. Julius and Laverne were married for 67 years and she was the love of his life. They were a model couple for all of us. They enjoyed a deep loving relationship; they were truly best friends. The loved for each other they shared was amazing. They were blessed to be able to travel a lot and they loved to hook up to their RV and just take off.

Michael J. Ryan, Jr. (89) of Fresno

Michael J. Ryan, Jr. (89) was born on January 11, 1930 in Fresno, California. The same birthday as his mother, Rosamond “Picky” Ryan. His father was Michael James “Jimmy” Ryan. Mike passed away on July 15, 2019.

He attended St. Therese Elementary School in Fresno and he was a proud graduate of San Francisco’s St. Ignatius High School. He was a two-time All-City football player at SI and was one of the stars of the first SI team to win the SF City football championship in 1945 when they played before 20,000 people at Kezar Stadium. He was a proud Wildcat throughout his life and remained close with his classmates at SI through the rest of his life. He treasured those bonds that were made then.

Ella "Elly" Rose Row (92)

Ella Rose (Elly, aka Miss Elly) Clare Row passed into eternal peace on June 25, 2019 with her children at her side. She had a deep faith with her Savior and cared strongly for her church. She had a wonderful, long life, and would tell you so with a smile on her face.

Elly was born September 8, 1926 on the prairie of Alberta, Canada to Faye Allred and Robert G. Clare, both American citizens. At the age of six, she came to Madera where she has lived ever since. Robert D. Martin (Bob), her step dad was a Ripperdan farmer so Elly grew up a "country girl". Her cousins through Bob Martin; included the Martin's, Mortimer's and Wibbenhorst's. In the summer Elly became a "city girl" spending time with her Dad, Grandma and the Clare Clan in Hollywood.

Goldie Lorenz (85)

Goldie Lorenz, age 85, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 9, 2019 in Fresno, California. Goldie was born on June 16, 1934 in Oklahoma to Oscar and Rettie Seabury Richardson. She has been a resident of Madera for over 65 years.

Goldie was known by many through her 50 plus years of waitressing, at The Village Restaurant and Farnesi’s Restaurant here in Madera. She loved gambling at Table Mountain Casino, watching The Waltons and M*A*S*H. She also loved spending time with her family playing card games and listening to country music.

Margaret (Luecke) Kidwell (96)

Margaret (Luecke) Kidwell (96) passed away Tuesday afternoon, July 25, 2019 at Cedar Creek retirement community in Madera surrounded by her loving family. Margaret was born in Freeport, Illinois to Robert and Margaret Luecke. She received her early education in Freeport schools graduating from Aquin High School and later earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work at Clarke College in Dubuque, Iowa.

Margaret married Thomas Thurman Kidwell on September 4, 1948 and they began their life together eventually becoming parents to eight children. In 1963 they relocated to Madera, California where Dr. Kidwell was appointed Medical Director of the Madera County Public Health Department. The Kidwell family became active in the Madera Community especially at St. Joachim Parish where the Kidwell children attended school. Margaret a devout Catholic, attended daily Mass, was a member of the Legion of Mary, the Altar and Rosary Society, & volunteered at the St.Vincent De Paul store.