Illa Eulene Rowell

Illa Eulene Rowell, 99, of Playa del Rey, Ca. passed away peacefully, on Thursday, April 28, 2023. Eulene was born September 10, 1923 in Center Ridge, Arkansas, to the late Riley James and Sarah Bryant Bradley. After growing up in Center Ridge, Ark, she studied at Hendrix College, where in 1941 she received her undergraduate degree in education. Upon graduation she taught elementary school at Nemo Vista elementary school in Center Ridge.

Eulene married the love of her life, Jimmie Rowell, to whom she was married for over 75 years! They decided to move to Venice, California during WWII, where she went to work for Kemstat. Later, Eulene helped to own and operate Rowell Mfg. Co. in Culver City, Ca., as well as being a homemaker for her family.

She was a dedicated wife and mother, always putting her family first and foremost. She treasured her daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren and embraced every moment with them. Always before any visit, she inquired as to what anyone wanted to eat, making sure each person's wishes were met. Unanimously, the vote for "Nan's jello" was at the top of the list every time! She loved the role of being Nan!

She was a long time season ticket holder for The Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Dodgers. Eulene didn't mind telling you who needed to be traded or benched, as she watched each game with a keen eye and was an avid fan of both teams.

Eulene was a faithful servant to Christ and beloved member of Hilltop Church of Christ in El Segundo, Ca. She read her bible everyday and her favorite Bible verse was Psalm 23. If she wasn't reading, you could find her doing crossword puzzles, reading the newspaper ,cover to cover or enjoying being outside.

In addition to her parents, her husband, Jimmie Rowell and sister Joye Bryant, preceded her in death.

Surviving are her daughters, Debbee Heldoorn (Fred) of Colleyville, Tx.; Sandy Rowell- Connors (Steve) of Paso Robles, Ca.; Grandchildren, Kellee Eitel (Steve) Michael Heldoorn (PJ) Nicole Whiteside, all of Southlake and Grapevine TX; Chris Heldoorn, of West Hollywood, Samuel Connors, and Sarah Connors, Paso Robles, CA. Great-grandchildren, James Heldoorn, Hadlee Eitel, Henry Heldoorn, Luke Whiteside, and Noelle Whiteside.