FOWLER, Florine Gladys

Florine Gladys Fowler was born on December 6, 1914 In Solomonville, AZ (15 miles west of Safford, AZ) to her parents Edward Leroy Gillespie and Nannie Priscilla Ryan Gillespie. Her sibling was brother, Edward Leroy Gillespie, Jr., born two years before Florine on October 3, 1912 and died in 1964. Florine is survived by her nephew: Gary Gillespie, his wife Sharon, niece: Janelle Ballering. two great nieces: Shannon Gillespie and Cassie Summers, her husband, John Summers and two great-great nephews: Jack and Sam Summers. Florine attended Solomonville grade school. Moving to Safford in 1932 she graduated from Safford High School that same year. Florine then moved to Phoenix to attend the Gregg Shorthand College. Florine completed her course at Gregg Shorthand School. Had several different jobs, before a job at Arizona State Treasurers Office. She was secretary to Elected Arizona State Treasurer, Mit Sims, and then Harry Moore. While working for the treasurers office, Florine married Dan Lane on March 28, 1938, less than four years later in November 1941 Dan passed away of leukemia. In 1944, Florine joined the Navy and served for two years, when she came home from the Navy, she lived with her Mother. She went to work for Arizona State Tax Commissioner and then later in the office at O.S. Stapley Co. Her mother, Nannie, worked as a seamstress for Horace Fowler, who owned the Paris Laundry and Dry Cleaners. Florine met Horace because of her mother's association with the cleaners, and they were married in 1951. After they married Florine worked in the office helping Horace. Horace and Florine were members of Moon Valley Country Club and the White Mountain Country Club in Pinetop, AZ. They built their summer cabin in Pinetop Country Club, where they spent their summers, playing golf, fishing, and playing cards. In August to 1991 Florine lost Horace. Back in November of 1956, Florine started ESA-Beta Theta Chapter 2557. The chapter is still active. Because Florine started the chapter, the chapter girls refer to her as Mother. The sorority has been a very important part of Florine's life. She has served in various offices on the State and chapter levels. Visitation, Monday, April 26, 2004, A. L. Moore Grimshaw Bethany Chapel, 710 West Bethany Home Road. Funeral Service Tuesday, April 27, 2004, also the Bethany Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 East flower St, Phoenix, Az, 85014. Published in the Arizona Republic on 4/25/2004.