Bowser was born in Santa Barbara at Cottage Hospital to Oliver & Gladys Tate on April 5, 1919. She and her brother Thurman grew up on the family ranch just outside Fillmore, California. She graduated from Fillmore High School. While visiting her Grandmother as a teenager in Santa Barbara she met her future husband, Gordon Bowser. They were married in 1940. She & Gordon started their lapidary business on Milpas Street and a few years later added jewelry. Later they moved their store, Bowser’s Jewelry, to Loreto Plaza here in Santa Barbara. Gordon passed away in 1980. They were married 39 years. Later Thelma married James Tate. James passed away in 1999.
She is survived by her two children Thomas G. Bowser & Rose Anne Bowser, (husband Wayne), and her grandchildren John Riffero III, (wife Yun Hui) and Rochelle Baiocchi, (husband Joel), her grandson Tom, (wife Linda) & her granddaughter Katrina, (husband Everett).
A very special thank you to all her caregivers, with a special thank you to Lucy & Marcela.
Thelma was a member of Reina del Mar Parlor, Chapter of the Native Daughters of the Golden West, Daughters of the American Revolution, SB Genealogical Society, SB Assistance League & the Episcopal Church.
“ Don’t grieve for me, for now I am free following the way God laid for me.” Author unknown.
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