Last Updated: October 7, 2020

George Fox & Catherine (Graham) Sowers Family

1. Sowers, George Fox I

Parents: Brook Watson & Ruth Green (Harryman) Sower. I

1826 Birth: 10-19-1826 Floyd Co., VA.

1850 Marriage #1: George F. Sowers m. Catherine Graham 03-31-1850 Floyd Co., VA by Owen Sumner. She d/o Jonathan Graham, dec'd per bond.

Known children of George Sowers & Catherine Graham: 1. Octavia, 2. Ellen, 3. Brooks & 4. Jesse.

1850 Residence: Floyd Co., VA, Village of Jacksonville, H147:

…… Sowers, George F. 24 yo w/m coachmaker, b. Floyd, $250, married in year, HOH.

……… Catherine 25 yo w/f, b. Floyd, married in year.

1860:

1862 Enlistment, Mankato, MN: 8-1-1862 9^th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Promoted to Full Corporal. Mustered out 8-24-1865 Fort Snelling, MN.

1870 Residence: Blue Earth Co., MN, LeRay District, H14:

…… Sower, Geo F. 48 yo w/m potter & farmer, b. VA, $1200./280, father of foreign birth, HOH.

……… Catherine 49 yo w/f, b. VA, keeping house.

……… Octavio 17 yo w/f, b. VA.

……… Brook W. 11 yo w/m, b. IN, school.

……… Jesse B. 9 yo w/m, b. MN.

1880 Residence: Blue Earth Co., MN, LeRay District 2, H103:

…… Sower, Geo. A. 55 yo w/m farmer, b. VA, parents b. VA.

……… Catharine 53 yo wife, b. VA, parents b. VA, keeping house.

……… Octavia 25 yo single daughter, b. VA, parents b. VA.

……… Brook 19 yo son, b. IN, parents b. VA, school.

……… Jesse 17 yo son, b. MN, parents b. VA, school.

1900 Residence: Blue Earth Co., MN, LeRay District 11, H36:

…… Sower, George 73 yo w/m, b. VA, father b. PA, mother b. MD, m. 50y, owns home, HOH.

……… Catherine 76 yo wife, b. Jan 1824 VA, parents b. MD, m. 50y 4 children with 3 living.

1910 Residence: Canyon Co., ID, South Caldwell District 101, H230:

…… Smith, Edward J. 71 yo w/m with own income, b. IA, parents b. England, M2 1y, owns farm with mortgage, HOH. (I’m thinking his 1^st wife might have been Octavia)

……… Martha E. 59 yo wife, b. VA, parents b. VA, M2 1y, 1 child with 1 living, trained nurse.

…… Sower, Geo F. 83 yo widowed father in law, b. VA, father b. England, mother b. MD, own income.

1911 Death: 5-31-1911

1911 Obit: The Idaho Statesman June 2, 1911

DEATH AT CALDWELL.
CALDWELL, June 1.--George F. Sower, 84 years of age, died today at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Smith, on their ranch two and a half miles south of Caldwell. Mr. Sower had been a resident of this section for the past 10 years. Funeral services will be held at the Christian church Friday at 2 p.m.

1911 Burial: Canyon Hill Cemetery, Caldwell, Canyon Co., ID.

(src: Find A Grave; photo added by Jim)

…+ Sowers, Catherine I

Parents: Jonathan & Mary (Shelor) Graham. I

1825 Birth: abt 1825 Floyd Co., VA.

1850 Residence: Floyd Co., VA with husband George Fox Sowers.

1860:

1870, 1880, 1890, 1900 Residence: Blue Earth Co., MN with husband George Fox Sowers.

1901 Death: 9-19-1901 Caldwell, Canyon Co., ID.

1901 Obit: Idaho Daily Statesman: Friday, September 20, 1901

TOOK HER OWN LIFE

Mrs. Catherine Sower of Deer Flat Commits Suicide.

HER BODY FOUND HANGING

Case of Temporary Insanity--Victim Was Eighty-Five years of Age--Had Recently came from Minnesota to That Vicinity.

Caldwell, Sept. 19.--Mrs. Catherine Sower committed suicide at her home on Deer flat this afternoon. Her body was found hanging in an outbuilding.
On word of the tragedy reaching Caldwell, Judge Madden empaneled a coroner's jury and proceeded to the scene to hold an inquest. After looking into the matter, the jury returned a verdict that the deceased had taken her own life while temporarily insane.

Deceased was 85 years of age. She and her husband, with other members of the family, came here recently from Minnesota and settled on Deer flat.

~~~~

The Idaho Daily Statesman: Sunday, September 22, 1901

The funeral services of Mrs. Catherine Sower occured here today and the remains were interred in the Canyon Hill cemetery.

1901 Burial: Canyon Hill Cemetery, Caldwell, Canyon Co., ID.

(src: Find A Grave; photo added by Jim)

…2. Sowers, Octavia I

Parents: George Fox & Catherine (Graham) Sowers. I

1853 Birth: 8-15-1853 Floyd Co., VA.

1860:

1870, 1880 Residence: Blue Earth Co., MN with parents.

1895 Death: 7-25-1895 Leray Twp, Blue Earth Co., MN.

1895 Burial:

…2. Sowers, Brook Watson I

Parents: George Fox & Catherine (Graham) Sowers. I

1858 Birth: 10-14-1858 IN.

1860:

1870, 1880 Residence: Blue Earth Co., MN with parents.

1886 Marriage #1: Brook W. Sower m. Mary E. Alway 3-15-1886 MN.

1900 Residence: Blue Earth Co., MN, Le Ray District 11, H111:

…… Sower, Brook 41 yo w/m farmer, b. VA, father b. VA, mother b. MD, m. 14y, owns farm with mortgage, HOH.

……… Mary 34 yo wife, b. MN, father b. Canada, mother b. Canada, m. 14y, 3 children with 3 living.

……… Forist 13 yo son, b. May 1887 MN, father b. VA, mother b. MN, school.

……… Carl 8 yo son, b. Aug 1891 MN, father b. VA, mother b. MN, school.

……… Wilma 3 yo daughter, b. Oct 1896 MN, father b. VA, mother b. MN.

1910 Residence: Canyon Co., ID, South Caldwell District 101, H230:

…… Sower, Brook W. 51 yo w/m water master, b. IN, parents b. VA, M1 24y, owns farm with mortgage, HOH.

……… Mary E. 45 yo wife, b. Canada, parents b. Canada, imm. 1866, M1 24y, 6 children with 6 living.

……… Forrest L. 23 yo single son, b. MI, father b. IN, mother b. Canada, school.

……… Clare L. 18 yo single son, b. MN father b. IN, mother b. Canada, school.

……… Wilma A. 12 yo daughter, b. MN father b. IN, mother b. Canada, school.

……… Vera I. 8 yo son, b. MN father b. IN, mother b. Canada, school.

……… Wayne A. 7 yo son, b. ID father b. IN, mother b. Canada.

……… Marjorie A. 5 yo daughter, b. ID father b. IN, mother b. Canada.

1920 Residence: 323 Cleveland Blvd, Caldwell City, Canyon Co., ID, District 59, H85:

…… Sower, Brook 65 yo w/m ditch rider, b. VA, parents b. VA, owns, HOH.

……… Mary 58 yo wife, b. Canada, parents b. Canada, imm. 1866, na 1886.

……… Wilma 21 yo single daughter, b. MN, father b. VA, mother b. Canada, time keeper reclamation service

……… Verl 18 yo son, b. MN, father b. VA, mother b. Canada, school.

……… Wayne 16 yo son, b. ID, father b. VA, mother b. Canada, school.

……… Marjory 15 yo daughter, b. ID, father b. VA, mother b. Canada, school.

1930 Residence: 323 Cleveland Blvd, Caldwell City, Canyon Co., ID, District 10, H149:

…… Sower, Brook W. 71 yo w/m without occupation, b. IN, father b. MD, mother b. WVA, 28 yo when 1st married, owns, HOH.

……… Mary E. 65 yo wife, b. Canada, father b. US, mother b. Canada, 22 yo when 1^st married.

……… Majorie A. 24 yo single daughter, b. ID, father b. VA, mother b. Canada.

……… 1 non-related boarder.

1933 Death: 1-14-1933 Caldwell, Canyon Co., ID.

1993 Burial: Canyon Hill Cemetery, Caldwell, Canyon Co., ID.

(src: Find A Grave; photo added by Jim)

……+ Sowers, Mary Elizabeth I

Parents:

1866 Birth: May 1866 MN or Canada.

1900 Residence: Blue Earth Co., MN with husband Brook Watson Sowers.

1910, 1920, 1930 Residence: Canyon Co., ID with husband Brook Watson Sowers.

1935 Death: 1935.

1935 Burial: Canyon Hill Cemetery, Caldwell, Canyon Co., ID.

(src: Find A Grave; photo added by Jim)

…..3. Sowers, Forrest Lindsay I

Parents: Brook Watson & Mary Elizabeth (Alway) Sowers. I

1887 Birth: 4-22-1887 Battle Creek, MI.

1900 Residence: Blue Earth Co., MN with parents.

1910 Residence: Canyon Co., ID with parents.

1911 Marriage #1: Lillian K. Swoope abt 1911.

1920 Residence: Canyon Co., ID, Wilder Precinct, District 46, H3:

…… Sower, Forrest L. 32 yo w/m US Water Tester, b. MI, father b. IN, mother b. Canada, rents, HOH.

……… Lillian K. 28 yo wife, b. PA, parents b. PA.

……… Mary P. 8 yo daughter, b. ID, father b. MI, parents b. PA, school.

……… Doyle 5 yo son, b. ID, father b. MI, parents b. PA.

1930 Residence: Canyon Co., ID, Wilder Precinct, District 46, H3:

…… Sower, Forrest 42 yo w/m civil engineer irrigation district, b. MI, father b. IN, mother b. Canada, 24 yo when 1^st married, owns, vet?: no, HOH.

……… Lillian K. 38 yo wife, b. PA, parents b. PA, 19 yo when 1^st married.

……… Mary P. 13 yo daughter, b. ID, father b. MI, mother b. PA, school.

……… W. Doye 10 yo son, b. ID, father b. MI, mother b. PA, school.

……… Irwin 9 yo son, b. ID, father b. MI, mother b. PA, school.

……… Burke 9 yo son, b. ID, father b. MI, mother b. PA, school.

1940 Residence: 807 8^th Ave So., Nampa City, Canyon Co., ID, District 14-25, H40:

…… Sower, Forest 52 yo w/m Irrigation Plant Manager, b. MI, completed C4, resided in same house 1935, owns, HOH.

……… Lillian 48 yo wife, b. PA, completed G8, resided in same house 1935, housework.

……… Mary 23 yo single daughter, b. ID, completed H4, resided in same house 1935, housework.

……… Doyle 20 yo single son, b. ID, completed C2, resided in same house 1935, washing dished in school dormitory.

……… Burke 19 yo son, b. ID, completed H4, resided in same house 1935, school.

……… Irwin 19 yo son, b. ID, completed H4, resided in same house 1935, school.

1959 Death: 1959.

1959 Burial: Canyon Hill Cemetery, Caldwell, Canyon Co., ID.

(src: Find A Grave; photo added by Anonymous)

……..+ Sowers, Lillian K. I

Parents:

1891 Birth: 1891 PA.

1920, 1930, 1940 Residence: Canyon Co., ID with Forrest Lindsay Sowers.

1982 Death: 1982.

1982 Burial: Canyon Hill Cemetery, Caldwell, Canyon Co., ID.

……..4. Sowers, Mary P. I

Parents: Forrest Lindsay & Lillian K. (unknown) Sowers. I

1917 Birth: 1917 ID.

1920, 1930, 1940 Residence: Canyon Co., ID with parents.

……..4. Sowers, W. Doyle I

Parents: Forrest Lindsay & Lillian K. (unknown) Sowers. I

1920 Birth: 1920 ID.

1920, 1930, 1940 Residence: Canyon Co., ID with parents.

……..4. Sowers, Irwin I

Parents: Forrest Lindsay & Lillian K. (unknown) Sowers. I

1921 Birth: 1921 ID.

1920, 1930, 1940 Residence: Canyon Co., ID with parents.

……..4. Sowers, Burke Vere I

Parents: Forrest Lindsay & Lillian K. (unknown) Sowers. I

1920 Birth: 12-26-1920 ID Wilder, Canyon Co., ID.

1920, 1930, 1940 Residence: Canyon Co., ID with parents.

Marriage #1: Virginia Avis Imbs, 1920-1997.

2017 Death: 3-18-2017 Nampa, Canyon Co., ID.

2017 Obit: (src; Find A Grave)

Burke Vere Sower, 96, passed away in his sleep at Park Place Assisted Care, Nampa, Idaho on March 18, 2017.

He was born to Forrest and Lillian Sower December 26, 1920, in Wilder, ID and then they moved to Nampa, where he graduated from Nampa High School. He attended the College of Idaho and University of Idaho, obtaining his bachelor’s degree in music. He married Virginia Imbs at Fort Lewis, Washington July 5, 1942 and served in the US Army & Air Force from 1941-45. He went on to receive his master’s degree in music from the U of I. He served as Band Director for 30 years in Kendrick, ID and Pomeroy and Auburn Washington. He came from a family of music and spent his entire life involved in music, serving as choir director in different churches for many years, and was an accomplished saxophonist, clarinetist, and flautist. He was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and served whenever and wherever there was a need.

He was preceded in death by his wife his siblings, Doyle, twin brother Irwin, and sister Mary Beaman. He is survived by his two sons, Dennis of Meridian, ID and wife Muriel; and Forest of Beaverton, OR and wife Tamra; grandchildren Damian of Morrison, CO, Matthew of Coeur d’Alene, ID, Sarah Hansen of Boise, ID, children of Dennis and Muriel; and Jennifer Miyamoto of Seattle, WA., daughter of Forrest; and 10 great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000 Boone, NC 28607.

2017 Burial: Canyon Hill Cemetery, Caldwell, Canyon Co., ID. (no photo)

…..3. Sowers, Clare Laverne I

Parents: Brook Watson & Mary Elizabeth (Alway) Sowers. I

1891 Birth: 8-3-1891 Eagle Lake, MN.

1900 Residence: Blue Earth Co., MN with parents.

1910 Residence: Canyon Co., ID with parents.

1914 Marriage #1: Elva M. Tarr 6-22-1914 Twin Falls, Idaho.

1930 Residence: 320 5^th Ave, Nampa City, Canyon Co., ID, District 21, H135:

…… Sowers, Clare L. 38 yo w/m rail road mail clerk, b. MN, father b. IN, mother b. Canada, 23 yo when 1^st married, owns, vet?: no, HOH.

……… Elva M. 35 yo wife, b. ID, father b. MO, mother b. ID, 20 yo when 1^st married.

……… Reed E. 14 yo son, b. ID, father b. MN, mother b. ID, school.

……… Bob W. 11 yo son, b. ID, father b. MN, mother b. ID, school.

……… Maxine D. 10 yo daughter, b. ID, father b. MN, mother b. ID, school.

……… Unnamed 1/12 son, b. ID, father b. MN, mother b. ID.

1935 License to Practice Embalming: Clare L. Sower, of Nampa, was admitted by examination. (src: The Post-Register [Idaho Falls, ID], Jul 31, 1935. Newspapers.com)

1939 Death: 6-4-1939 Canyon Co., ID.

1939 Obit: The Caldwell News-Tribune, Monday, June 5, 1939 (src: Find A Grave)

DEATH TAKES
CLARE SOWER

Succumbs At Nampa
Hospital After
Short Illness

Clare Laverne Sower, 47, 320 Fifth avenue south, Nampa, died Sunday afternoon in a Nampa hospital, following a brief illness. The body is at the Talley Funeral parlors in Nampa, where it will lie in state until one o'clock Tuesday afternoon.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday afternoon at s:30 at the Methodist church in Nampa, with the Rev. Charles M. Donaldson in charge. The casket will not be open at the church. Interment will be in Canyon Hill cemetery, Caldwell, by the side of his father and mother, who died several years ago. The graveside services will be private. The survivors are his widow, Mrs. Elva Sower; four sons, Reed, Bob, Norman and Stanley; one daughter, Maxine, all of Nampa; two sisters, Mrs. Bryan Harding, Caldwell and Mrs. Roy C. Martin of Ocean Lake, Ore.; three brothers, Forrest Sower, Nampa; Vere Sower of Boise and Dr. Wayne Sower of Caldwell.

Mr. Sower was born at Eagle Lake, Minn., on August 3, 1891. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. B. W. Sower, now both deceased. He moved to Caldwell with his parents in 1903, where his grade and high school education was received. After graduating from high school, he attended the College of Idaho.

On June 13, 1914, he was united in marriage with Elva M. Tarr. They located in Nampa on September of that same year, where they have since resided.

Mr. Sower entered the railway mail service in 1911 and served continuously until his recent illness. He has been a member of the Nampa Masonic lodge No. 29 since 1920. He is also a member of the Scottish Rite of Boise and a member of the Methodist church in Nampa.

1939 Burial: Canyon Hill Cemetery, Caldwell, Canyon Co., ID.

(src: Find A Grave; photo added by smith)

……..+ Sowers, Elva Mae I

Parents: George William & Lauretta (Horsley) Tarr. I

1894 Birth: 9-12-1894 Soda Springs, Caribou Co., ID.

1930 Residence: Nampa City, Canyon Co., ID with husband Clare Laverne Sowers.

1940 Residence: 320 5^th Ave, Nampa City, Canyon Co., ID, H334:

…… Sowers, Elva 45 yo widowed w/f, b. ID, completed H4, resided in same house 1935, owns, HOH.

……… Reed (abs) 24 yo single son, b. ID, completed C3, resided in same house 1935, play & dances, school.

……… Bob W. (abs) 21 yo single son, b. ID, completed C4, resided in same house 1935, play & dances, school.

……… Maxine (abs) 20 yo single daughter, b. ID, completed C2, resided in same house 1935, waitress, school.

……… Norman 10 yo son, b. ID, completed G3, resided in same house 1935, school.

……… Stanley 7 yo son, b. ID, completed G1, resided in same house 1935, school.

…… 2 non-related lodgers.

1986 Death: 12-15-1986.

1986 Burial: Canyon Hill Cemetery, Caldwell, Canyon Co., ID.

……..4. Sowers, Elmer Reed I

(src: Find A Grave; photo added by Dan Fowler)

Parents: Clare Laverne & Elva M. (Rarr) Sowers. I

1915 Birth: 9-15-1915 Nampa, Canyon Co., ID.

1930 Residence: Nampa City, Canyon Co., ID with parents.

1940 Marriage #1: Alice Livonia Giddings June 17, 1940.

1940 Residence: Nampa City, Canyon Co., ID with widowed mother.

2003 Death: 6-16-2003 Meridian, Ada Co., ID but of Boise, ID.

2003 Obit: The Idaho Statesman, June 15, 2003 Local Page 7 (src: Find A grave)

E. Reed Sower, 87, of Boise, passed away peacefully Thursday, June 12, 2003, at his granddaughter Jenna Arreguis' home in Meridian surrounded by family.

At his request, no services will be held. He chose to be cremated, and his ashes will be spread in special places he loved the very most.

Reed was born Sept 13, 1915, in Nampa to Clare and Elva Sower, growing up in the Nampa-Caldwell area. Upon graduation from Nampa High School. Reed participated in the All Northwest High School Orchestra as first-chair trombone. He received a scholarship to a national music camp and later played trombone in local dance bands, orchestras and municipal bands for 63 years.

Reed graduated from the College of Idaho in 1940 and was very active in musical affairs, was director of the College of Idaho Pep Band and student body president. He was a member of the 116th Cavalry Band starting in 1930. He was a high school music teacher in Parma until being called into active Army Air Corps service in 1941. Reed was honorably discharged in 1945 as a lieutenant colonel in the Air Force.

Reed owned the Top Notch Cafe in Pocatello for 10 years, and people still remember his wonderful hamburgers and clam chowder. He joined the Social Security Administration in 1955, worked as a field rep in Boise, and retired in 1976.

In addition to his lifetime interest in music. Reed was an avid amateur photographer and has documented on film 66 years of incredible memories for so many people to enjoy for years to come. The family was playing those videos and enjoying them with Reed during his last days and hours. He had a marvelous sense of humor recorded on these films, and we will continue to laugh through our tears of sadness, just as he would have wanted.

He married Alice Giddings on June 17, 1940, and she was his beloved for 63 years and he adored her. Reed enjoyed the outdoors, especially McCall and the surrounding lakes. Reed's father, Clare Sower, was a mail clerk on the Nampa-McCall train and Reed used to watch him in the mail car as a young boy, his fondest unfulfilled desire was to be a railroad engineer. He loved trains of all kinds, as he did McCall. He knew every huckleberry patch and fishing hole. When Cascade Lake would freeze, he would cut a hole in the ice to fish. He and Alice often packed a lunch got in their boat, and spent the day together, coming back with fish and berries. They built a new cabin on the shore of Payette Lake on property purchased by Reed's parents in 1915. The memories and the fun that the entire family continue to have there will always be the place where Reed's heart most resides. Five generations have now shared his deep love of his special cabin in McCall. Reed also loved his trips to Alaska to visit and cut wood with his son, Jim. He taught his sons to hunt and instilled in them a love of the outdoors.

Reed was an active member and sang in the choirs at the First United Methodist Church, Cathedral at the Rockies. Reed was an incredibly unselfish man a doting husband an amazing father, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was quite the teller of tales, especially "Uncle Remus" stories, and he had a zest for life and cared deeply about other people, never himself. He loved to cook and make pies for anyone on any occasion. The aroma of his fabulous pancakes awakened the family every morning at the cabin. He loved to pick and can cherries, apricots and peaches every summer. He loved music and played in bands for 67 years and passed to his family an intense joy of music.

Reed was preceded in death by his parents, Clare and Elva Sower, his brothers, Stan Sower, Bob Sower, Dr. Norman Sower and his infant twin daughters, Jean and Jan Sower.

He is survived by his "sweetheart" Alice, his beloved sister, Maxine Randall, who has done so much for Reed and Alice for so many years, Maxine and Reed's daughter, Charmi, made his last months much more personal as active caregivers to him. Reed is also survived by a son, Ron Sower (wife Patty) of Westlake Village, Calif., Jim Sower (wife Diane) at Boise and daughter, Charmi Arregui of Boise. Reed also leaves behind five grandchildren, Angie Arregui (husband Bob) and their sons Travis and Nathan of Boise, Tiffany Arregui of San Jose, Calif., Jenna Arregui of Meridian, Scott Sower and Ryan Sower of Panorama City, Calif. He is also survived by sisters-in-law, Myrna Caron of McCall, Maude Sower of Caldwell and Judy Sower of McCall, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family is grateful for the care given to Reed by Alterra Assisted Living. We would he to especially thank Dr. William Bollinger and Dr. Roger Stagg for their kind and sensitive treatment and always making time to go that extra mile.

Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.

2003 Burial: none.

……..4. Sowers, Bob Watson I

Parents: Clare Laverne & Elva M. (Rarr) Sowers. I

1919 Birth: abt 1919 ID.

1930 Residence: Nampa City, Canyon Co., ID with parents.

1940 Residence: Nampa City, Canyon Co., ID with widowed mother.

Marriage #1: Maude Ballard

1997 Death: 3-5-1997.

1997 Burial: Canyon Hill Cemetery, Caldwell, Canyon Co., ID.

(src: Find A Grave; photo added by Davidson)

……..4. Sowers, Maxine D. I

(src: Find A Grave; photo added by smith)

Parents: Clare Laverne & Elva M. (Rarr) Sowers. I

1920 Birth: 3-12-1920 Calwell, Canyon Co., ID.

1930 Residence: Nampa City, Canyon Co., ID with parents.

1940 Residence: Nampa City, Canyon Co., ID with widowed mother.

2015 Death: 7-31-2005 Boise, ID.

2015 Obit: Published in Idaho Statesman on Aug. 9, 2015 (src: Find A Grave)

Maxine Sower Stephens Randall passed away on July 31, 2015 in Boise. She will be greatly missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
Maxine Sower was born March 12, 1920 in Caldwell, Idaho, the only daughter of Clare Sower and Elva Tarr Sower. She grew up in Nampa with four brothers. McCall always had a special place in Maxine's heart because of time spent there with her family and friends. Her father was a mail clerk on the Nampa-McCall train for 25 years, and summers were spent at the rustic cabin on the shore of Payette Lake. In 1939, Clare's untimely death at age 49 left Elva with 3 children in college and 2 young sons at home. Elva later built a new cabin at the same site in McCall, giving enjoyment to five generations of family and countless friends. Maxine was chosen by her peers at Nampa High School and then by a state committee as the senior excelling in citizenship, dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism, who would best represent Idaho as the Good Citizen Pilgrim for the Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.) in Washington, D.C. Maxine and other D.A.R. Pilgrims had tea in the White House with Eleanor Roosevelt, and at an Easter Sunday service they sat in the row behind President Roosevelt and his family. Maxine once recalled with a grin, "That was pretty heady stuff." She was then elected national president of the Pilgrims of the American Revolution by 49 girls representing the 48 states and the District of Columbia. Maxine graduated from Nampa High School in 1938 and continued to be actively involved in all of the Nampa High School reunions. She attended the College of Idaho for two years before entering nurses training at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD, but she was unable to fulfill her dream of becoming an R.N. due to a medical problem. She returned to the College of Idaho until the bombing of Pearl Harbor, which stirred her to join the Navy. Maxine married Austin Randall in 1942 and they both enlisted in the service in 1943. She served for three years as a WAVE (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) during World War II. She was an instructor with the Link Trainer, a simulated flight device resembling a snub-nosed plane. The pilots pulled the hood over their heads so they saw only the instrument panel, and she taught them how to rely on these instruments when flying. Maxine oversaw 20 female trainers and gained the respect of the men she worked with. "Most pilots just hated instrument training" she said, "but it saved their lives. Once women got in there and showed them we could help, they loved us. That was our main purpose, to be able to replace a man who wanted to go overseas." Maxine and Austin Randall were divorced in 1945, and she was honorably discharged in 1946. Maxine always said: "I was proud to be a part of the service, and when I hear the bands play, I'm almost ready to reenlist." She returned to the College of Idaho in 1946 and, with the help of the G.I. Bill, graduated in June 1947. Max was active in many campus organizations and received the Elks Honor Award as the Outstanding Senior Woman Graduate. Maxine married Kenneth Stephens in 1947 and they moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1955. She worked for 21 years for Sandia National Laboratories as a Personnel Representative and Supervisor. She took graduate classes at the University of New Mexico and was active in a Sweet Adelines Chorus and barbershop quartets. Maxine took early retirement from Sandia in 1976 and returned to Idaho to be with family and friends. Maxine and Kenneth were divorced in 1976. She remarried Austin Randall in 1978 and they divorced in 1982. Maxine was active with the Presbyterian church as an ordained elder and deacon, served on the Pastoral Care Team and sang in the choir. She was active in P.E.O. (philanthropic educational organization) providing educational loans to women, the Albertson College of Idaho Half Century Society and National Alumni Association. At age 70, Maxine took a competitive state exam and became a consultant for the Idaho Industrial Commission and also worked for the State Insurance Fund and the First Presbyterian Church. In 1999, she accepted an Alumni Heritage Award on behalf of the 29 Sower family members who attended Albertson College of Idaho. In 2003, Maxine was honored by the Women's Center of Boise State University as a "Woman Making History" in Idaho and was featured in the Idaho Statesman. Selection was on the basis of "ordinary women living extraordinary lives." She was interviewed and recorded in 2004 by the Warhawk Air Museum in Nampa, which displays a Link Trainer, and Maxine volunteered in their student program, "Bridging the Generations." She was passionate all her life about helping friends and family, even though facing her own health crises as a cancer survivor and the second Idaho recipient of a bovine heart valve in 2011. At age 92, Max played fantasy football and often won; she could quote sports trivia with the best of men. She always had a zest for life, a positive attitude, a love of good humor and fun, and tremendous gratitude. She enthusiastically approached each new day with her motto: "This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Maxine was preceded in death by her parents, Clare Sower & Elva Sower Weible; her brothers, Reed Sower, Bob Sower, Stan Sower and Dr. Norman Sower; sister-in-law, Alice Sower; and her stepson, Mike Randall. Maxine was also preceded in death by her life-long friend Margaret Jane (Peggy) Faylor and special friends Eloise Anderson, Frances Dixon, and Mary Yager.
Maxine is survived by sisters-in-law: Myrna Sower Caron, Maude Sower, Peggy Sower, Judy Sower, Cynthia Randall, Dorothy Stephens Day and many dear nieces and nephews. Maxine had no children of her own and she treasured her role as "Aunt Max." Maxine is also survived by stepdaughter-in-law Lynne Randall, her children and grandchild; stepdaughter Susan Randall Marler; and a cousin Burke Sower. Maxine always called her beloved Steve Dixon "my son." Maxine adored her dear friend Eleanor "Mitch" Hayman and their daily contact, as well as Delight Brislain.
The family extends special gratitude to Dr. William Bollinger for his very personal and compassionate care of Maxine over many years. Thank you also to St. Alphonsus Hospital staff, the wonderful Palliative Care Team, and the devoted St. Alphonsus Hospice Team.
Maxine's memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 950 W. State St., Boise, Idaho on August 22, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at Canyon Hill Cemetery, Caldwell, Idaho at 2:00 p.m. on August 22, 2015.
Memorials may be made to Albertson College of Idaho, 2112 Cleveland Blvd., Caldwell, Idaho 83605 or Boise First Presbyterian Church, 950 W. State St., Boise, ID 83702. Services are under the direction of Alsip and Persons Funeral Chapel, Nampa. 466-3545

2015 Burial: Canyon Hill Cemetery, Caldwell, Canyon Co., ID.

(src: Find A Grave; photo added by smith)

……..4. Sowers, Norman Dale I

Parents: Clare Laverne & Elva M. (Rarr) Sowers. I

1930 Birth: 3-4-1930 ID.

1930 Residence: Nampa City, Canyon Co., ID with parents.

1940 Residence: Nampa City, Canyon Co., ID with widowed mother.

1978 Death: Aug 1978.

1978 Burial:

……..4. Sowers, Stanley M. I

Parents: Clare Laverne & Elva M. (Rarr) Sowers. I

1932 Birth: 9-20-1932 ID.

1940 Residence: Nampa City, Canyon Co., ID with widowed mother.

Marriage #1: Myrna Eileen Lane, 1934-2016, d/o James G. & Ethyl Thelma (unknown) Lane.

1974 Death: 4-17-1974.

1974 Burial: Canyon Hill Cemetery, Caldwell, Canyon Co., ID.

(src: Find A Grave; photo added by anonymous)

…..3. Sowers, Wilma A. I

Parents: Brook Watson & Mary Elizabeth (Alway) Sowers.

1898 Birth: 4-12-1898 MN.

1900 Residence: Blue Earth Co., MN with parents.

1910, 1920 Residence: Canyon Co., ID with parents.

Marriage #1: Bryan Harding. I

1981 Death: 5-14-1981.

1981 Burial: Canyon Hill Cemetery, Caldwell, Canyon Co., ID.

(src: Find A Grave; photo added by Davidson)

…..3. Sowers, Vere Irwin I

(src: Find A Grave; photo added by Mike Ford)

Parents: Brook Watson & Mary Elizabeth (Alway) Sowers. I

1901 Birth: 10-11-1901 MN.

1910, 1920 Residence: Canyon Co., ID with parents.

1926 Marriage #1: Freda Kingsford Brown 5-14-1926 Ada Co., ID.

1930 Residence: 401 Cleveland Blvd, Caldwell City, Canyon Co., ID, District 10, H149:

…… Sower, Vere I. 29 yo w/m oil company salesman, b. MN, father b. VA, mother b. MN, 25 yo when 1^st married, rents, vet?: no, HOH.

……… Frieda K. 30 yo wife, b. New Zealand, parents b. England, 26 yo when 1^st married.

……… Samuel K. 2/12 son, b. ID, father b. MN, mother b. New Zealand.

1985 Death: Oct 1985 Boise, Ada Co., ID.

1985 Burial: Canyon Hill Cemetery, Caldwell, Canyon Co., ID.

(src: Find A Grave; photo added by Davidson)

……..+ Sowers, Frieda Kingsford I

Parents: Frederick Capel & Kate (Kingford) Brown.

1900 Birth: 2-4-1900 New Zealand.

1930 Residence: Caldwell City, Canyon Co., ID with husband Vere Irwin Sower.

1994 Death: 9-28-1994 Boise, Ada Co., ID.

1994 Burial: Canyon Hill Cemetery, Caldwell, Canyon Co., ID.

……..4. Sowers, Donald W. I

Parents: Vere Irwin & Frieda Kingsford (Brown) Sowers. I

1930 Birth: 2-2-1930 ID.

1930 Residence: Caldwell City, Canyon Co., ID with husband Vere Irwin Sower.

…..3. Sowers, Wayne Alway I

Parents: Brook Watson & Mary Elizabeth (Alway) Sowers. I

1903 Birth: 5-12-1903 Caldwell City, Canyon Co., ID.

1910, 1920 Residence: Canyon Co., ID with parents.

Marriage #1: Wayne A. Sower m. Lucille Keller 12-13-1924 Canyon Co., ID.

1930 Residence: 13^th Ave South, Caldwell City, Canyon Co., ID, District 8, H166:

…… Sower, Wayne 26 yo w/m dentist, b. ID, father b. IN, mother b. Canada, 21 yo when 1^st married, rents, vet?: no, HOH.

……… Lucile 25 yo wife, b. ID, father b. IA, mother b. IL, 20 yo when 1^st married.

……… Donald 4 yo son, b. ID, parents b. ID.

……… Eugene 3 yo son, b. OR, parents b. ID.

1940 Residence: 715 Rumball Street, Caldwell City, Canyon Co., ID, District 14-7A, H237:

…… Sower, Wayne A. 36 yo w/m dentist with own practice, b. ID, completed C4, resided in same place 1935, rents, HOH.

……… Lucile K. 35 yo wife, b. ID, completed H4, resided in same place 1935, housework.

……… Donald W. 14 yo son, b. ID, completed G8, resided in same place 1935, school.

……… Eugene 12 yo son, b. OR, completed G6, resided in same place 1935, school.

1962 Death: Marsing, Owyhee Co., ID.

1962 Obit: Idaho Daily Statesman, Sunday, December 30, 1962 4th Section Page 2  (src: Find A Grave)

CALDWELL — Services for Dr. Wayne Alway Sower, 59, of 1406 Fairview Street, who was killed Wednesday morning in an Owyhee County automobile accident, will be conducted at St. David's Episcopal Church at 2 p.m. Monday. Rev. M. Dale Vandergrift will officiate and interment will be at Canyon Hill under the direction of Peckham-Dakan-Davis Chapel.

Dr. Sower was born May 12, 1903, in Caldwell and was a life-time resident. He was educated here and was married Dec. 3, 1924, in Caldwell to Lucille Keller. He was graduated in 1928 from North Pacific College of Dentistry, now the University of Oregon School of Medicine at Portland, and he had since practiced dentistry in Caldwell.

He was a member of St. David's parish; Caldwell Lodge 1448, BPOE; and the Idaho State and Southwestern Idaho Dental Associations.

Surviving in addition to Mrs. Sower are two sons, Rev. Donald Sower of Livermore, Calif., and Bud Sower of Sun City, Calif.; a brother, Vere Sower of Boise; two sisters, Mrs. Roy Martin of Aberdeen, Wash., and Mrs. Bryan Harding of Caldwell, and seven grandchildren.

1962 Burial: Canyon Hill Cemetery, Caldwell, Canyon Co., ID. [no photo]

……..+ Sowers, Lucille I

Parents:

1905 Birth: abt 1905 ID.

1930, 1940 Residence: Caldwell City, Canyon Co., ID with husband Wayne Always Sower.

1972 Death: 1972.

1972 Obit: Idaho Free Press, 8 Jul 1972, Page 2 (newpapers.com)

1972 Burial: Caldwell City, Canyon Co., ID. [no photo]

……..3. Sowers, Donald W. I

Parents: Wayne Always & Lucille (Keller) Sowers. I

1925 Birth: 8-21-1925 ID.

1930, 1940 Residence: Caldwell City, Canyon Co., ID with parents.

2006 Death: 11-8-2006 Boise, Ada Co., ID.

2006 Burial:

……..3. Sowers, Eugene I

Parents: Wayne Always & Lucille (Keller) Sowers. I

1927 Birth: abt 1927 OR.

1930, 1940 Residence: Caldwell City, Canyon Co., ID with parents.

…..3. Sowers, Marjorie A. I

(src: Find A Grave; photo added by Mike Ford)

Parents: Brook Watson & Mary Elizabeth (Alway) Sowers. I

1905 Birth: 2-20-1905 ID.

1910, 1920, 1930 Residence: Canyon Co., ID with parents.

1935 Marriage #1: Roy C. Martin. 1-1-1935.

1986 Death: 3-2-1986

1986 Burial: Canyon Hill Cemetery, Caldwell, Canyon Co., ID.

(src: Find A Grave; photo added by Janette Kisner)

…2. Sowers, Jesse B. I

Parents: George Fox & Catherine (Graham) Sowers. I

1861 Birth: Nov 1861 MN.

1860:

1870, 1880 Residence: Blue Earth Co., MN with parents.

1888 Marriage #1: Carrie M. unknown abt 1888.

1900 Residence: Pine Co., MN, Brook Park Twp, District 123, H38:

…… Sower, Jesse B. 38 yo w/m farmer, b. MN, parents b. VA, m. 12y, owns farm with mortgage, HOH.

……… Carrie M. 32 yo wife, b. Sept 1867 WI, father b. IL, mother b. NY, m. 12y, 3 children with 2 living.

……… Manley G. 8 yo son, b. June 1891 IA, father b. MN, mother b. WI, school.

……… Viva G. 4 yo daughter, b. Apr 1896 MN, father b. MN, mother b. WI.

1910 Residence: Pine City Village, Pine Co., MN, District 125, H117:

…… Sower, Jesse B. 49 yo w/m saw mill sawyer, b. MN, father b. MD, mother b. VA, M1 21y, rents house, HOH.

……… Carrie M. 42 yo wife, b. WI, father b. IL, mother b. NY, M1 21y, 4 children with 3 living.

……… Manley 18 yo son, b. IA, father b. MN, mother b. WI, school.

……… Viva 14 yo daughter, b. MN, father b. MN, mother b. WI, school.

……… Lloyd 9 yo son, b. MN, father b. MN, mother b. WI, school.

1920 Residence: Grantsburg Village, Burnett Co., WI, District 44, H115:

…… Sower, Jesse B. 59 yo w/m photographer with own gallery, b. MN, father b. MD, mother b. VA, rents, HOH.

……… Carrie M. 52 yo wife, b. WI, father b. NY, mother b. NY.

……… Manley G. 28 yo single son, b. IA, father b. MN, mother b. WI, bank teller.

……… Lloyd J. 19 yo single son, b. MN, father b. MN, mother b. WI, school, studio helper.

…… Mitchell, William J. 24 yo son in law, b. MN, parents b. Canada, salesman general mdse.

……… Iva J. 23 yo married daughter, b. MN, father b. MN, mother b. WI.

1930 Residence: 27 10^th Str, Cloquet City, Carlton Co., MN, District 10, H406/443:

…… Sower, Jesse B. 69 yo w/m confectionerwith pop corn stand, b. MN, father b. MD, mother b. VA, 28 yo when 1^st married, rents, vet?: no, HOH.

……… Carrie M. 62 yo wife, b. WI, father b. NY, mother b. NY, 21 yo when 1^st married.

1930-1940 Death:

1930-1940 Burial:

……+ Sowers, Carrie M. I

Parents:

1867 Birth: Nov 1867 WI.

1900, 1910 Residence: Pine Co., MN with husband Jesse B. Sowers.

1920 Residence: Grantsburg Village, Burnett Co., WI with husband Jesse B. Sowers.

1930 Residence: 27 10^th Str, Cloquet City, Carlton Co., MN with husband Jesse B. Sowers.

1940 Residence: 27 10^th Str, Cloquet City, Carlton Co., MN, District 9-9A, H140:

…… Sower, Carrie 72 yo widowed w/f, b. WI, completed H1, resided in same house 1935, housework, HOH. (alone)

……3. Sowers, Manley Glen I

Parents: Jesse B. & Carrie M. (unknown) Sowers. I

1891 Birth: 6-7-1891 IA.

1900, 1910 Residence: Pine Co., MN with parents.

1920 Residence: Grantsburg Village, Burnett Co., WI with parents.

1921 Marriage #1: Annie M. unknown abt 1921.

1930 Residence: 702 Carlton Ave, Cloquet City, Carlton Co., MN, District 10, H301:

…… Sower, Manley G. 38 yo w/m bank cashier, b. IA, father b. MN, mother b. WI, 29 yo when 1^st married, owns, vet?: yes WW, HOH.

……… Annie M. 29 yo wife, b. PA, father b. PA, mother b. WVA, 20 yo when 1^st married.

……… Blake M. 7 yo son, b. MN, father b. MN, mother b. PA, school.

……… Valdis J. 6 yo daughter, b. MN, father b. MN, mother b. PA, school.

……… Glenn A. 2y 4/12 son, b. MN, father b. MN, mother b. PA.

1940 Residence: Northfield, Rice Co., MN, District 66-22, H150:

…… Sower, Manley G. 48 yo w/m daily paper reporter, b. IA, completed H4, resided in Cloquet, Carlton Co., MN 1935, rents, HOH.

……… Annie M. 39 yo wife, b. PA, completed H4, resided in Cloquet, Carlton Co., MN 1935, housework.

……… Blake Mackroy 17 yo son, b. MN, completed H3, resided in Cloquet, Carlton Co., MN 1935, school.

……… Valdys G. 16 yo daughter, b. MN, completed H3, resided in Cloquet, Carlton Co., MN 1935, school.

……… Glenn Adair 12 yo son, b. MN, completed H3, resided in Cloquet, Carlton Co., MN 1935, school.

1952 Death: 8-13-1952.

1952 Burial: Oakwood Cemetery, Rochester, MN.

………+ Sowers, Annie M. I

Parents:

1901 Birth: abt 1901 PA.

1930 Residence: Cloquet City, Carlton Co., MN with husband Manley Glen Sowers.

1940 Residence: Northfield, Rice Co., MN with husband Manley Glen Sowers.

………4. Sowers, Blake Mackroy I

Parents: Manley Glen & Annie M. (unknown) Sowers. I

1922 Birth: 8-16-1922 MN.

1930 Residence: Cloquet City, Carlton Co., MN with parents.

1940 Residence: Northfield, Rice Co., MN with parents.

………4. Sowers, Valdys G. I

Parents: Manley Glen & Annie M. (unknown) Sowers. I

1924 Birth: abt 1924 MN.

1930 Residence: Cloquet City, Carlton Co., MN with parents.

1940 Residence: Northfield, Rice Co., MN with parents.

………4. Sowers, Glenn Adair I

Parents: Manley Glen & Annie M. (unknown) Sowers. I

1928 Birth: abt 1928 MN.

1930 Residence: Cloquet City, Carlton Co., MN with parents.

1940 Residence: Northfield, Rice Co., MN with parents.

……3. Sowers, Viva J. “Iva” I

Parents: Jesse B. & Carrie M. (unknown) Sowers. I

1896 Birth: Apr 1896 MN.

1900, 1910 Residence: Pine Co., MN with parents.

1920 Marriage #1: William J. Mitchell abt 1920.

1920 Residence: Grantsburg Village, Burnett Co., WI, District 44, H115:

…… Sower, Jesse B. 59 yo w/m photographer with own gallery, b. MN, father b. MD, mother b. VA, rents, HOH.

……… Carrie M. 52 yo wife, b. WI, father b. NY, mother b. NY.

……… Manley G. 28 yo single son, b. IA, father b. MN, mother b. WI, bank teller.

……… Lloyd J. 19 yo single son, b. MN, father b. MN, mother b. WI, school, studio helper.

…… Mitchell, William J. 24 yo son in law, b. MN, parents b. Canada, salesman general mdse.

……… Iva J. 23 yo married daughter, b. MN, father b. MN, mother b. WI.

……3. Sowers, Lloyd J. I

Parents: Jesse B. & Carrie M. (unknown) Sowers. I

1901 Birth: abt 1901 MN.

1910 Residence: Pine Co., MN with parents.

1920 Residence: Grantsburg Village, Burnett Co., WI with parents.

1930 Residence: Hayward, Sawyer Co., WI, District 8, H161:

…… Sowers, Lloyd 29 yo w/m boarder, b. MN, father b. MN, mother b. WI, vet?: no, grade school principle.

1933 Marriage #1: Elve E. unknown

1940 Residence: Humboldt, Kittson Co., MN, H40:

…… Sowers, Lloyd 39 yo w/m public school teacher, b. MN, completed C5, resided in Ashland, Ashland Co., WI 1935, rents, HOH.

……… Elve 34 yo wife, b. WI, completed C2, resided in Ashland, Ashland Co., WI 1935, housework.

……… Laurence 6 yo son, b, WI, completed G0, resided in Ashland, Ashland Co., WI 1935, school.

1968 Death: 8-25-1968 Cass Co., ND.

1968 Burial: Riverside Cemetery, Fargo, Cass Co., ND.

(src: Find A Grave; photo added by GoneBackToTexas)

………+ Sowers, Elve E.

Parents:

1904 Birth: 1904 WI.

1940 Residence: Humboldt, Kittson Co., MN with husband Lloyd J. Sowers.

1975 Death: 1975.

1975 Burial: Riverside Cemetery, Fargo, Cass Co., ND.

……3. Sowers, Laurence

Parents: Lloyd J. & Elve E. (unknown) Sowers.

1934 Birth: abt 1934 WI.

1940 Residence: Humboldt, Kittson Co., MN with parents.

End George Fox & Catherine (Graham) Sowers Family.