Lorraine (Rowley) Solomon

On a brisk November 14th,1952, Lorraine Rowley was born at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska, to Dorothy Jane (Messer) and Collins N. Rowley. It was a humble beginning for Lorraine, but it also was a foundation of service and love.  At four months old, her family returned to the States and resided in Salt Lake City, Cedar City, and Logan, Utah. She was a lover of the outdoors, spent many days playing with friends and cousins outside, climbing trees to eat the fruit, and enjoying time with her grandparents.  

In 1965, her family moved to Mesa, Arizona, so her father could further his education. During her time in Mesa, she attended Mesa High School where she was taught to “Carry on!” through hard times.  She loved to swim and play tennis in her teenage years and also attended beauty college. She graduated high school in 1971 and after high school she owned her own beauty salon with a friend in Mesa.  This would be a blessing for her and her family as she would be able to contribute financially by being a beautician for years to come.

On New Year’s Eve, 1972, Lorraine attended a dance at ASU. She couldn’t resist the big, unique smile of (Lyman) Roy Solomon. He swept Lorraine off her feet and on September 7th, 1973, Roy and Lorraine entered the Mesa Temple together to be sealed for time and all eternity. Their family expanded to five kids and eventually 13 grandchildren.

Upon marriage, Lorraine moved with Roy to the small town of Taylor, AZ, where he had grown up. It was a challenge for her, leaving her family and friends behind and getting used to a rural style of living. Through the help of her in-laws and ward family, Lorraine grew to love her life in Taylor and flourished in homemaking and service.  She was talented, creative, and a problem solver.  She sewed clothes for her family, canned, gardened, crafted, quilted and if something was broken, she didn’t care how much mule tape, wire, and duct tape she used, she would fix anything to save money. 

Lorraine shared her talents and helped her family any way she could.  She did hair for many years from her home, was a piano teacher, and teacher’s aide at Taylor Elementary and Snowflake Jr. High. She also worked as a clerk at the Jr. High for several years. 

Roy and Lorraine Solomon’s home was a home built on our Savior, Jesus Christ. Lorraine filled the home with hymns and testimony as they raised their five children. She always had amazing advice and guidance for any situation and it always referenced Christ.  She served many ways in the church wards she was a part of throughout her life.  Lorraine worked mostly with the youth as Primary Chorister, Primary President, Young Women’s President and Counselor, and Relief Society President and Counselor.  She also shared her piano talent in many ways with the congregations.  Lorraine loved to serve!

In September 2001, Lorraine was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer.  She received many rounds of chemotherapy and radiation to fight it.  She persevered through this challenge and eventually was in remission for almost 19 years.  She continued to have health problems but her warrior strength showed through as she continued to be the best wife, parent, and grandparent she could be.  On January 4th, 2020, she learned that her cancer had returned but in the form of bone cancer.  Lorraine did not let this stop her from moving forward.  She was determined to fight for as long as she could so she could enjoy her grandkids and how she loved them so much! She left many quilts, a.k.a. “grandma hugs” for her children and grandchildren to enjoy.

Lorraine is survived by her mother, Dorothy Jane (Messer) Rowley, her five children - Jeff (Camra), Travis (Cori), Heather (Jonathan) Larson, Stephanie (Kevin) Shiflett, and David (Kali) - and her thirteen grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Marilee Neff, and brother, Clark Rowley. On her passing, Lorraine joined her husband, Lyman Roy Solomon, and her father, Collins N. Rowley on the other side of the veil.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, January 4th, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. at the Love Lake Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, located at 301 Love Lake Rd, Taylor, AZ. The funeral will follow at 10:00 a.m. in the same location, with interment at the Taylor Cemetery. All are welcome to attend in person but if this is not possible, please join us with the following link to view the celebration of our beloved mother, daughter, and friend.

https://zoom.us/j/5872321283?pwd=U2FDVEE2cTY1Q1BsNTNSVmdEWEpDQT09&omn=96874411235#success

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