Wims_Viola Dorothy Reese Rowley_25 Dec 1915

Viola Dorothy (Reese) Rowley Wims
1915-2007

Viola Dorothy (Reese) Rowley Wims, 91, passed away November 7, 2007 on a beautiful sunny morning. She left this existence with the same fight and courage she manifested throughout her life.

Born, December 25, 1915 in Samaria, Idaho to Viola Carrie Mueller and Richard M. Reese, she was the fourth of seven children, all of whom she outlived.

She came from humble beginnings, yet always with immense gratitude for the education and self-sufficiency that were ingrained by her devoted parents.

Dorothy graduated from Malad High School and attended three years at Utah State University, where she met William Rowley of Fillmore, Utah, a tennis champion and young school teacher. They married in 1936 and parented Linda, Ralph, Robin (who passed away at birth), Jill and Curtis.

Times and circumstances were difficult after WWII, which eventually spelled the dissolution of their marriage in 1952. In 1961 Dorothy met and married a fine man, James C. Wims, Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Air Force, who would alter the lives of all her family. James and his son, Michael, became a lifelong part of Dorothy and her children, which brought many years of happy and rewarding times for her and Jim, including travel to the British Isles, Europe, and seeing Hailey’s Comet in Australia.

Dorothy loved music throughout her life and felt honored that she and Jim sang many years in the Salt Lake Oratorio Society. She also held membership in the Air Force Wives’ Club, The Welsh Society, the Friends Club, maj-jong clubs, and other affiliations. She was a member of the LDS Church.

So many people enjoyed Dorothy’s sardonic and sometimes irreverent sense of humor, and she could always raise an eyebrow with an unexpected political comment aimed at the day’s current events. Always an ardent reader of daily newspapers and historical novels, she took pride in her always-practiced privilege of voting in all elections. She love the TV show Jeopardy.

Her 13 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and 23 great-great-grandchildren gave her much satisfaction and joy. She revealed in their many accomplishments, including their many academic, athletic, and musical achievements. She loved attending their recitals, graduations and programs.

Survivors include sons and daughters Linda (George, deceased) Blount: Ralph (Alice) Rowley; and one brother-in-law, Phyl Poulsen. She was preceded in death by parents and all siblings, husbands William Rowley and James C. Wims, son-in-law George Blount and grandson Steven Johnson.

There will be no viewing, but those who would like to visit with the family may do so one hour prior to service, which will be held at 3:30 p.m., Thursday, November 15th at the Fort Douglas Post Chapel, 120 South Fort Douglas Blvd. (2012 East) in Salt Lake City. (Free parking is available at the Guest House just north of the chapel).

Interment at Fort Douglas Cemetery.