Florence E. "Flo" Sowden

Florence E. "Flo" Sowden, 92, of Live Oak, passed away February 11, 2021, with family by her side. A life-long resident of Live Oak, she was born May 16, 1928.

Fl o’ s father, who emigrated from Holland and mother from Montana, settled in Live Oak. Flo was born and raised on their family dairy farm on Meteer Road.

Graduating from Live Oak High School, Flo was i mmediately offered a position at Bank of America. Balancing work while raising her family, Flo retired in 1986, with a thirtyfive year career, as Biggs branch manager. Her banking career gave her cherished life-long friendships.

In her early years, Flo was active in the Live Oak community through Little League, and Camp Fire Girls. In retirement, Flo enjoyed many i nt e r e s t s a nd activities; especially her Pinnacle group.

Along with her husband, Ray, they built a family cabin in La Porte where many adventures and good times were enjoyed by family and friends. She was happiest when Ray was happy.

Flo is survived by her son, William "Buzz" Sowden of Live Oak; d a u g h t e r , Mel a n i e Sowden of Los Osos; son, Raymond "Bud" Sowden of Gridley; daughter, Rebecca Gomes (Scott) of Yuba City; eight grandchildr e n; fifteen greatgrandchildren; and numerous n i e c e s a n d n e p h e ws.

She is preceded i n death by her husband, Ray; parents, Raymond, and Ida Vander Ploeg; sisters, Frances Smart, and Margaret Snyder; and brother, Richard Vander Ploeg.

Services will be held at Sutter Cemetery on Friday, February 26, 2021, at 11 am. In lieu of flowers donations to Hospice would be appreciated.