BOB WILL'S ONLY FEMALE TEXAS PLAYBOY, Louise Rowe has passed away. Please help us with final expenses. Louise was born in Midland, Texas in 1932, but her family moved to Duncan, Oklahoma, where she and her seven older brothers were raised. The boys started the Seven Rowe Brothers, a swing band, and they showed her some things on the bass and guitar—she figured out the rest for herself—while her father, a music teacher, taught her piano. Soon, Louise began singing with her brothers. The group played in a battle of the bands in Dallas in 1952. The other group competing was Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys. After Louise sang a song, she watched in amazement as the legendary fiddler walked up to her. Bob Wills, now known as the "King of Western Swing," hired her right on the spot. A bit of time passed in her life and in 1959 she met her husband, Buddy Beasley, a Grand Ole Opry Fiddle Player and a Fiddle Player who was working with George Jones and other greats of the time. All of our lives she talked about her precious memories of playing and singing with "Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys." When she was not talking about Bob Wills, she was talking about her very deeply loved, endeared Seven Rowe brothers. She was the baby! They loved her so very much! She loved them too. They have all passed away, and Louise was the last of that Rare and Exceptional Talented and Loving Family, James Iker Rowe and Ida Oletha Rowe's born children.

Louise was a ray of sunshine, bringing love, compassion, and joy to all who came into her life. Many have said Louise changed their lives forever after they heard her stories from being a legend in the music industry. Her life was filled with faith, always putting her father above, Jehovah God first, and her love for family and friends was unwavering. She was a trailblazer in the world of music, breaking barriers for women musicians and vocalists at a time when joining an all-male band was rare. Her passion for music was matched only by the love she shared with everyone around her. Louise played with her heart, and that beautiful spirit touched countless lives.

Her passing was sudden, despite her strength and resilience through previous health challenges, she passed away with her daughter Rhonda Beasley Smith and her husband Clayton Smith at her side. Rhonda said she told her mom how much she loved her and said, Louise’s legacy is one of courage, joy, and a deep commitment to her loved ones and her craft. She leaves behind a fortune of beautiful memories, but like many musicians, she played for the joy of entertaining others rather than financial gain. This has left our family with unexpected expenses as we try to honor her memory in the way she deserves.

We are raising funds to help cover the costs of cremation, a memorial service, travel for immediate family, storage rental fees, a wooden box for her ashes, and travel to the Rowe family gravesite so her ashes can rest with her mother, father, brothers, and cousins. Any support will help us give Louise the loving tribute she earned through a lifetime of giving to others. We are deeply grateful for your kindness and generosity during this difficult time.