Helene Stiles Rowe's Obituary
Helene S. Rowe Obituary
Helene Stiles Rowe, 100, of Lakeland, FL, died on October 27, 2016 at her residence at The Estates at Carpenters in Lakeland.
She was born September 16, 1916 in Wenatchee, WA, the daughter of R.G. and Helga Stiles, and at age six moved with her family to Miami, FL where she was educated in the public school system. She began her working career with Southern Bell Company in Miami, and in 1940 joined Eastern Airlines as one of their first female traffic agents. In 1961, she and her husband, Dr. Donald D. Rowe, moved to Cleveland, TN to pursue their calling for a life of ministry with the Church of God. She worked with the Church of God World Missions Department until she retired in 1984, after which she and her husband contributed their services for a year at a Church of God Bible college in England, assisting in various missionary outreaches.
Her father, who was a world-class marksman, encouraged his daughter at an early age to pursue his passion for competitive shooting. By 1940, when she join Eastern Airlines, Helene Stiles held four world records and was considered the top markswoman in the world, having achieved “master” status, the highest level of achievement in the sport. Recognizing her unique talent, Eastern Airlines soon became her sponsor for competitive events and used her influence to gain publicity for the company and for herself. When the musical, “Annie Get Your Gun,” came to Miami, the Tivoli Theater used a larger than life size cutout of her at the theater entrance to promote the show. Despite all the publicity, she hung up her guns in 1945 when her passion changed from the sport of shooting to the pursuit of her faith.
She has been an active member of Church of God congregations in Coconut Grove, FL, Cleveland, TN, and Lakeland, FL.
She was predeceased by her parents and one brother, and she is survived by several cousins, nieces and nephews.
Anyone wishing to send a memorial are requested to send it to Trinity Life Church of God, 1942 West Memorial Blvd. Lakeland FL 33815
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