Rowley, Edithe L.

Passed: 1974-08-02

Age: 74

Source:

Death Notice: 1974-08-09

Obituary Date:

Information: Funeral services for Edithe L. Rowley, 74, a former resident of Parkersburg who served as a social secretary at the White House for many years, were conducted Sunday at Chambers Funeral Home, Ravenswood, with burial in Ravenswood Cemetery.  Miss Rowley died Friday at her home in North Arlington, VA.  Born in Jackson County, the daughter of the late J. Harry Rowley and Elnora Parsons Rowley, she was graduated from Mountain State College.  Prior to moving to Washington, she taught school and was employed by the W. Va. State Road Commission as secretary to the Division Engineer at Parkersburg.  Her first position with the federal government was with the Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce, Dept. of Commerce. In 1933, she was detailed to the White House to assist in work in the social office, where for a time, she served as secretary to Mrs. Edithe Benham Helm, Mrs. Roosevelt's social secretary.  She was later assigned permanently to the social office staff where she served under five presidents until her retirement as an administrative assistant in April, 1974.  One of the highlights of her employment at the White House was being presented to King George and Queen Elizabeth at a small tea held by Mrs. Roosevelt for members of her staff. Miss Rowley also attended the famous Hot Dog Picnic given by the President and Mrs. Roosevelt for their majesties at Hyde Park.  Survivors include a sister, Mrs. J. Oliver Weekley of MacArthur; and two brothers, Ralph L. Rowley of Jacksontown, O. and H. Hoyt Rowley of Columbus, Ohio.