Serving the community since 1922
Dec. 31, 1947 – Oct. 22, 2022
Rosemary McGowen Lomeli, of Shafter, died October 22, 2022, in Bakersfield, after a brave, hard-fought battle with cancer.
Rosie, 74, was born on Dec. 31, 1947, to Royce and Opal McGowen in Little Rock, Ark. In 1952, the family moved to Shafter, where she lived until recently, when she moved to Bakersfield to be closer to family. She always considered Shafter home.
Rosie was one of the first women to work for Shell Oil in the 1980s and ultimately pursued a career as a real estate agent and broker. She was an avid quilter and seamstress in her free time. Rosie showed her love and affection by making personalized quilts for those she loved, which brought her the most joy.
Rosie is survived by her children, William Taylor, of Bakersfield, and her daughter, Melissa Garner, of Morro Bay. She also is survived by her three grandsons and one granddaughter, as well as five great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers.
Graveside funeral services will be held Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, at 10 a.m. at the Shafter cemetery, 18662 Santa Fe Way, Shafter, with Pastor Mike Nichols officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kern County Cancer Foundation, kerncountycancerfoundation.org
Reader Comments(3)
sharonkay writes:
Oh Rosie, I'm sad that I didn't even know you were sick. I haven't seen you since my mom's funeral. I was so happy to see you there bacause I know how much she loved and respected you. You two were once sister-in-laws, but you became great friends later. I remember having the best times when me and Vicky used to spend the night with you when you lived right down the street from us. I will treasure my memories of you and I also will think of you every day, just like I do with my mom. My sweet Aunt Rosie, may you rest in peace.
10/27/2022, 3:16 pm This comment has been flagged
Wiltaylor writes:
Mom, I want to start by saying, I love and miss you so so so much. I never thought you would leave use this soon. You always said you were going to live to 100 so you would have your name on the Today Show. As tough you were I thought you would make it. I never seen anyone with the fight and toughness as you. Even with that you're the most gentle loving person I've ever met in my life also. I didn't know everything that was going on with you because I guess you were trying to protect me from that. Mama thank you thank you for being my mom being my best friend being my inspiration and specially being my hero. Mom I will think about you everyday for the rest of my life. Mom your great grandchildren will know all about you I will tell them about the incredible woman that raised me and love me with everything she had. Mom I'll just close the saying how much I loved you and how much you meant to me you were everything and you still are and you always will be. I love you. See you soon mom
10/26/2022, 8:34 pm This comment has been flagged
Sandy writes:
I had the pleasure of meeting Rosie 7 years ago when I started dating her son. We enjoyed several holidays together as family with wonderful dinners that she and Wil prepared. My favorite was her peanut butter pie. She always made myself and my two sons feel like family and at Christmas she always had a Christmas card for each of us with a gift inside. I also had the pleasure of staying with her all night on a couple occasions to help her in any way with what she might need. She loved Jimmy Stewart and she played one of her favorite movies of his for me. We had a really nice time together. I also took her to a few of her Dr. Appointments where I saw what a brave person she really was. She will always hold a special place in my heart and I will be thankful for the time I got to spend with her. Rest in Paradise Rosie- Sandy
10/26/2022, 2:57 pm This comment has been flagged