Obituaries, April 18th 2012

Ambleston

Rosie, aged just 63, died suddenly on 8th March at her home in Ambleston after being diagnosed with cancer in January of this year. The funeral took place at St Mary's Church, Ambleston on March 23rd.

Known as Rosie in Pembrokeshire, Rose to her old friends in England and Rosemary to her relatives; she was born in Bath on April 23rd 1948. She, her sister and parents moved to Oxfordshire when she was a young girl. She grew up in Kidlington and following secretarial college worked at a firm of chartered accountants where she met Clive, her future husband.

Rosie and Clive married in 1968 and made a home in Oxfordshire until temporarily moving to Johannesburg, South Africa, for two years. Returning home, they started a family and were blessed with a son, Huw, and daughters Zoe and Laura. They moved to Gloucestershire and then Berkshire before settling in Pembrokeshire in 1986, initially living in Portfield Gate and then in Ambleston from 1997.

Rosie worked for Preseli County Council and, on reorganisation, became administrative supervisor in the new Pembrokeshire County Council. She then moved to Pembrokeshire National Park until retiring in 2005.

Rosie and Clive enjoyed retired life, holidaying in France and Spain most years, but Rosie still made time to contribute to local organisations. She was joint bulletin editor for the Pembrokeshire Vintage Car Club for ten years, ran their shop and was secretary of the Ambleston Historic Society. She loved her garden and hunting for antique bargains. She was devoted to her husband, her children and most recently to her little granddaughter.

The funeral was officiated by Rev David Rees, with daughter Zoe reflecting on fond memories of her mum and Clive reading the Psalm to a church full of her family and friends. One of Rosie's favourite songs, Love me tender by Elvis Presley was played as she left the church.

The bearers were husband Clive, son Huw and sons-in-law Steve and Mark. Other principal mourners followed the cortege, including her daughters, sister Sylv and her husband Charlie, brother-in-law David and other close relatives. There were family flowers only, with kind to donations to Macmillan nurses from friends. The funeral arrangements were carries out by Roy Folland and Son.

Mrs Cathrine Gibbon (Katie)

Pwllywhead, Whitland

Katie Gibbon passed away peacefully on February 15th at Glangwili Hospital aged 82 years, predeceased by her daughter Ann.

Born in Llanboidy one of eight children, Katie moved to Whitland after her marriage to Howard where they farmed and bought up their family and were together for 63 years.

Family left to mourn are Howard (husband); Jeff Val William and Jane (sons and daughter-in-law); Emma, Matthew, Dafydd, Aled, Sian, Charles and Naomi (grandchildren and husbands); Thomas and Nerys (great grandchildren); Gladys, Muriel and Ben (sisters and brother); Dan, Ben and Harry Evans, Huw Davies and Tom Gibbon (cousins) also nephews and niece too numerous to mention.

A family service was held at the home officiated by the Revd Kingsley Taylor followed by a large funeral at Nazareth Chapel, Whitland officiated by the Revd Huw George and assisted by the Revd Kingsley Taylor and burial at Nazareth Cemetery.

The bearers were Roderick Davies, Eifion Vaughan, Gareth Davies, Roy Phillips and Martin Vaughan (nephews).

Unable to attend were Ben Phillips (brother); Ann Blackshaw (cousin); Glyn Evans (cousin).

There were family flowers only with donations in lieu to Nazareth Chapel and Meddygfa Taf c/o Ken Davies and Sons, Funeral Directors, Clunderwen who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mrs F V Rowlands

Scandinavia Heights, Saundersfoot

The death ocurred on Friday March 23rd of Florence Valerie Rowlands , aged 87, of 76 Scandinavia Heights.

She was known to her friends as Val and is survived by her husband David William Rowlands, sons Alan, Simon and wife Joy, daughter Jo and husband Gerald. Grandchildren Chris and Rosie, Ryan and Milli, Josh, George, Tobin and Sophie, Freya and Joel, Thomas and Xhena and great grandchildren Oliver and Finley. Nephew Steve, Sue and family, niece Ann, David and family.

Val suffered ill health for many years but loved her life, enjying when well all things outdoors: gardening, walking the dogs, making flower pictures and working on the land (Jean and Bin Rogers).

At the family home, Durley Dene, on St Brides Hill, Val did bed and breakfast for many years, as well as working with differentt veeets when the family lived in Droitwich, Worcestershire. She loved Pembrokeshire and Worcestershire especially the Malvern Hills.

Val will be sadly missed by her husband David, family and friends.

The funeral took place on March 30th at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, the grandchildren were the bearers. The service was conducted by Simon Rowlands (son).

Donations in lieu of flowers for RSPCA may be sent to E C Thomas and Son, Funeral Directors, Archways, Green Plains, Stepaside, Narberth, SA67 8LT Mrs J A Davies

Haverfordwest

Joan Ameila Davies of Mill Bank, Haverfordwest died on March 8th after a short stay in Withybush Hospital aged 87.

A native of Haverfordwest she worked during the war at the mining depot in Milford Haven and later in Greens Drapers, Haverfordwest. She was predeceased by her husband Jack Daniels in 1983.

The family left to mourn are Marley and Trudy Davies (son and daughter-in-law); Bethan (granddaughter); Pauline and Ken Dean, Nigel and Fran (cousins); Alma and Peter Jenkins, Peter and Diana John, Philip and Patricia John (niece and nephews).

Bob and Millie Parker were unable to attend.

The service was held at Albany Church, Haverfordwest followed by internment at Prendergast cemetery and was officiated by Canon G Gwyther. The bearers were Ernest Lewis, Matthew Lockyear, Graham Jenkins and Martin Davies.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Roy Folland and Son, Haverfordwest.

Pamela Anne Hughes

Haverfordwest

The peaceful death occurred on March 31st of Pamela Anne Hughes, at her home in Clover Park, Haverfordwest.

The funeral service was held at Tabernacle Congregational Chapel followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn on April 5th, officiated by Rev Christopher Gillham, Rev Steve Woods and Rev Geoffrey Eynon.

Pam was the much loved wife of Bill and loving mother to Jane.

She was born in St Davids and brought up in Fishguard and later in Johnston, by the late Tilla and T O Butler.

She was educated at Fishguard Council School and Taskers School for Girls, before training as a primary school teacher at Barry College of Education.

She began her teaching career in 1960 at Hakin CP School, where she became senior teacher under headteacher Mr Maldwyn Thomas. She trained as a local authority youth leader and was involved in the running of Johnston LEA Youth Club and the Parog Youth Centre in Goodwick.

In 1967 she married Bill and in 1970 gave birth to their only child, Jane.

In 1974 Pam left Hakin School and, together with her family, emigrated to Newfoundland, Canada, later moving on to Ontario. Her career in teaching continued overseas as the family moved to Canada and Saudi Arabia. In Ontario she worked for the Ontario Music Academy, continuing her work with children's music choral activities, for which she had a great love.

In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, she worked for three years at the American International school.

In 1984 Pam, Bill and Jane returned to Pembrokeshire and settled in Haverfordwest, where Pam worked at Sir Thomas Picton School and then St Marks School, Merlins Bridge under head Bill Morris. In 1991, on leaving St Marks, she joined Bill on various assignments abroad.

Her hobbies were varied but she took a keen interest and pleasure in choral singing and was a member of Friends in Harmony Choir. She played, for many years, an active part in the WRVS until ill health prevented her from continuing.

She was a Deacon of Tabernacle Congregational Chapel and was dedicated to many charitable causes close to her heart.

Pam faced her illness with faith, determination and grace and gave strength to those around her. Her zest for life, caring nature, and wonderful sense of humour mean she will live on in the memories of all those who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

Family left to mourn and principal mourners were Bill (husband), Jane and Gordon (daughter and partner), Alan and Eira (half brother and sister-in-law), Gretta and Brian (cousins), Janet and John (cousins), Ruth and Steven (sister-in-law and nephew), and many friends, neighbours and colleagues who had been such an important part of Pam's life.

The bearers were Gwyn James, Barry Vaughan, Noel Evans and Peter Bannister.

There were family flowers only but donations if desired can be made to either Paul Sartori Foundation or ward ten, Withybush Hospital, via Mr K Davies, Feidr Groes, Uzmaston Road, Haverfordwest, SA61 1UT.

Funeral arrangements were carried out by Roy Folland and Son, Haverfordwest.

Mr Keith ReesHigh Street, Neyland

Keith Rees passed away at his home on March 26th, he was 51 years old. A native of New Moat, Maenclochog, he worked as a truck driver, mortgage advisor and driving trainer. He served in the TA from the age of 19, starting his service in Haverfordwest before transferring to Carmarthen, and then on to Cardiff as Staff Sergeant.

His hobbies included boating, motor bikes, fishing, supporting the British Legion and the TA.

Left to mourn and principle mourners are Keith's children Mary-Jane Rees, Martin Rees, Rozlynd Davies and Stephen Rees; grandchildren Luke, Katie and Emelia; parents Mr and Mrs B Rees of New Moat; sisters Karen, Sonia and Julie, and brothers Kevin and Peter.

The funeral took place at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, on Wednesday April 4th. Officiating were Canon Geoffrey Gwyther and Rev Geoffrey Eynon. Bearers were Kevin and Peter Rees (brothers), Jamie Davies and Wayne Morse (sons-in-law).

Donations for ward ten, Withybush Hospital, can be sent to E C Thomas and Son, Funeral Directors, Archways, Green Plains, Stepaside, SA67 8LT, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mr Elsie May Richards

Haverfordwest

The death occurred at Withybush Hospital of Mr Elsie May Richards of St Margarets Close, Merlins Bridge, Haverfordwest. She was 96 years old and the widow of Mr James Richards.

Her main interests were her family, visiting garden centres, her own garden and trips out with her family.

The funeral was held on March 28th at Parc Gwyn Crematorium and the service was officiated by Rev Martyn Evans.

Left to mourn are Mary Frank (daughter), Joyce Richards (daughter), Eileen and Dennis Frank (daughter and son-in-law), Maureen Hackett (daughter), Brinley and Pam Richards (son and daughter-in-law), Hilary and Glyn Hobbs (daughter and son-in-law), Glyn and Angela Richards (son and daughter-in-law), Mr Danny Gale, Mrs Mavis Richards (daughter-in-law), Mrs Melville and Haydn Beavis (sister and brother-in-law).

The service was well attended by children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great great-grandchildren, plus friends and neighbours too numerous to mention.

The bearers were Ian Richards, Ian Gale, Richard Frank and Barry Roberts (grandchildren).

There were family flowers only, but donations can be sent to ward 12, Withybush Hospital, care of Mr Danny Gale, 28 Milford Road, Johnston, Haverfordwest, SA62 3HL.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr Glyn Thomas and Son, assisted by Susan Price.