Walter Ilith Rowley Jr.

Walter Ilith Rowley Jr., 84, of Herriman, Utah and formerly of Eureka, California, died in the early morning hours on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 in Herriman. The celebration of life will be at 4 p.m. on Monday March 16th, 2026. It will be held at the LDS Church building at 5633 W. 12900 S. in Herriman, Utah. All are welcome to come and remember Walter in a loving way.

Walter was born June 25, 1941. He was born into a bustling, but remote railroad and agricultural hub called Havre, Montana. His father was a farmer. His family were members of the church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints. He was baptized in Harlem lake when he was 8 years old. Then they moved to California soon after in the year 1949. He has been a faithful member of the church all his life.

He served a mission at the Eastern Atlantic States Mission. When he came home, he was called into the Stake Sunday School Presidency. This is where he met Linda. They were then married on Oct 12,1963 in the L.A. Temple.

As time went by, Walter and Linda had 4 children, two boys and two girls. He was always a part of their lives. He flew to Ecuador and Chile to pick up his sons from their missions. He changed tires, dropped off loaves of homemade bread, and always came when called upon.

Walter loved to cook. He owned his own family catering business. He then owned his own restaurant in Eureka. He had the missionaries in as much as possible.

As the kids grew up and left home. Walter and Linda felt they could do some good in the world. They adopted 9 girls who they grew to love like their own. They took them into both their hearts and into their home. Places they traveled: China three times, Walter went to Western Africa, and Thea traveled to Haiti for them. The others were from homes in the US. But they were originally from Eastern Africa, and South America. These girls filled his days. He loved every minute of it.

Walter was preceded in death by his father, mother, sister, brothers, brother-in-law, and nephew. Walter is survived by his wife; Linda, and his children; Walter, Tamara (Michael), Daron (Kimberly), Thea, Tiana (Todd), Mimi, Kayla, Tarryn (Ryan), Lia, Tamberly, Lana, Sandra, Twilla, then 21 Grandkids, 27 Great-grandkids, and 2 Great-great-grandkids.