Leila Rowden

She was born January, 30, 1916, in Kane, Illinois, the daughter of Thomas G. and Lela Williams Roady. She attended school in Kane and Carrollton, IL, graduating from Carrollton High, School in 1933. She attended Illinois College, Jacksonville, IL, where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and received her bachelor's degree in English, graduating in 1938. She received her Master's degree from the University of lllinois. She married Hugh H. Rowden, Sr. on Christmas Day, 1938. She began a long and successful teaching career at Chesterfield High School, Chesterfield, IL in September, 1938. She taught English at several small high schools prior to moving to Decatur, where she taught English at Stephen Decatur and MacArthur High schools from 1954-1975. Mrs. Rowden was an avid reader, and volunteered at elementary schools through Project Success' Illinois READS program. She received Governor Edgar's Award for Unique Achievement in 1995 for her efforts to improve the quality of life for Illinois children by participating in Illinois READS. She was a member of First Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School for many years, edited the newsletter, held offices on the Deaconess Board, and was President of American Baptist Women. She was also an active member of Church Women United, and received their Valiant Woman Award in 2002. She was a charter member of Prairieland Kiwanis Club, a member of Garnrna Chapter, Alpha Delta Kappa, Chapter IF, PEO Sisterhood, and was a lifetime member of Decatur Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. She is survived by one son, Hugh H. Rowden, Jr., and his wife Linda of Decatur; 4 grandchildren, Sara (Adam) McClain, Keri (Jamie) Cote, Deena Rowden, and Mark Rowden, all of Chicago. She is also survived by two great-granddaughters, Caroline and Lilly McClain; a brother, Elston Roady, of Tallahassee, FL; cousin, Dr. Paul T. Berry of Springfield, MO, and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and one brother, Thomas G. Roady, Jr. A Memorial Service to celebrate her life will be held at First Baptist Church, 1320 Arbor Dr., Decatur, IL on Tuesday, July 27, 11:00 a.m. with visitation at Brintlinger & Earl Funeral Home on Monday, 6-8 p.m. Memorial contributions: First Baptist Church, Decatur. Her family appreciates the wonderful care she received from the staff at Imboden Creek Living Center, where she lived the last two years of her life. "
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