Linda Marie Rowland, age 62, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family members on Feb. 11, 2014. Linda was born July 7, 1951 in Renton, Wash. She joyfully joins her mother, Betty Medicus; father, Wayne Whitney; and sister, Chris Jacobsen, in heaven.
She is survived by her husband, Walt Rowland; her children, Anjie Rowland of Auburn, Jenny (Lonnie) Rowland of Packwood and Steve (Lisa) Rowland of Packwood; brother, Jeff (Tammy) Whitney of Randle; sister, Sandy (Doyle) France of East Wenatchee; six grandchildren; niece, Kim Reed; nephew, Casey Boness; niece, LaDawn Whitney; and many extended family members.
Linda graduated from high school in Tehran, Iran in 1969. She worked as one of the first 911 operators for Pierce County. She relocated to Lewis County where she worked for the U.S. Forest Service in Packwood. She attended Centralia Community College and completed her Associate of Arts degree. Upon completion she worked with displaced timber employees helping people retrain. Linda and her husband Walt then moved to Chehalis and she took a job advancement to program manager of ESD in Olympia. She retired in 2012.
Linda loved her family and spending time with them, often hosting many family activities at her home. She was a wonderful cook, enjoyed the out of doors and fishing with her husband Walt. Linda loved going to the casinos and had many lucky streaks which kept her going back. She loved to read, watch hummingbirds at the feeder outside the kitchen window and watch the deer roam about their property.
Linda will be remembered for her beautiful smile, her vivacious personality and her fierce love for her family. Her passing leaves a huge empty space in our family.
Linda’s funeral service will be held Friday, Feb. 21, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Sticklin Funeral Home, 1437 S. Gold, Centralia, Wash., with reception and graveside services to follow.
To view the obituary, please go to chronline.com/obituaries
Arrangements are under the direction of Sticklin Funeral Chapel, 1437 S. Gold St., Centralia, WA 98531. 360-736-1388.
Condolences may be offered at www.sticklinsfuneralchapel.com
