Muriel “Laverne” Rowe (87), passed away peacefully on December 12, 2022. Laverne was born on September 7, 1935, in Ratliff Township, Johnson Oklahoma to Thomas G. J. Ayers and Muriel Elois Ayers. On June 15, 1952, she married the love of her life, Lawson Rowe. They had two sons, Ron and Randy. Soon after their marriage, they moved to Fort Lewis near Tacoma, Washington. They lived in Tacoma, Washington, and had their first son Randy. Lawson was discharged from the Army in 1955. In 1955 they moved back to Madera, California, where they lived the rest of their lives.

After returning to Madera, Laverne took the first job she could find, a waitress at Farnesi’s restaurant in Chowchilla, working the midnight to 8 am shift. While working there, she met Harold Mar, who had breakfast there three times a week. He offered her a job at the Valley Market. This enabled her to work during the day and be home in the evenings. In 1956 she had her second son Ron. The Valley Market moved west on Howard Road and became Hal’s Market. Laverne moved with it and retired as a retail clerk in 1985. She then began working as a seasonal salesperson at Cerioni’s. After a few years of seasonal work, she retired from Cerioni’s.

Laverne was a co-owner of the family farm and custom hay baling business. She kept all of the books, including payroll, and shared decision-making with her husband, Lawson. She ended her career in the fields driving a hay bailer, which she enjoyed so much because she worked daily with her family. Laverne then retired a final time, traveled with her husband, and enjoyed her grandchildren.

Laverne was known for her love and devotion to her family and friends. She was a very generous, caring person and always willing to have a cup of coffee and talk, which she enjoyed so much. She was always on the go. Even though she tried to retire from work, she found she enjoyed working with and helping others so much. This is why she came out of retirement so many times. She was very generous with her time and treasure. It was normal to have a family member or a friend live with us until they could get back on their feet.

In October of 2000, Laverne underwent surgery to repair a brain aneurysm. This left her with several physical disabilities. But her ability to remember important dates and events was not diminished. She would remind her husband on a regular basis to send cards for birthdays, anniversaries, and other important events. She never missed one. In the last few months, her health further declined, and Brice Hospice came in to assist her with continued care from Cedar Creek Senior Living staff.

Laverne was a devoted member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Madera until it closed.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Julius Lawson Rowe. Her father, Thomas G.J. Ayers, Mother Muriel Elois Ayers (Saylors) and Brothers, Weldon “Bud” Ayers, LeRoy and Richard Dixon, and sisters, Doris Faye Ayers and Martha Dixon.

She is survived by her sons Ron (Bonnie) and Randy (Karen). She had six grandchildren; Ashley, Andrew, Annika, Justus, Jodi, and Jennifer, and five great-grandchildren; Finn, Opal, Christabelle, Cadance, Kortlyn, and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff at Cedar Creek Senior Living and Bristol Hospice for their excellent care and kindness.
A graveside Service will be held on Friday, January 6, 2023, at 1:00 pm at Arbor Vitae Cemetery, 1301 Roberts Ave Madera, California.